What makes a person 'an expert'?

[WillParkinson]

Is it schooling? Training? Experience?

Or is it the fact that they are saying exactly what we can use to make our case so they're our 'expert'?

I heard this so many times when Florida was trying to pass the ban on gay adoption. The male 'expert' got caught with a male someone handling his 'luggage'. Yet he said exactly what they needed to make their case so he became 'an expert'.

So often I hear about how 'this person is an expert in their field' but wonder if they didn't say exactly what you wanted to hear would they continue to be 'an expert'?

Democrats do it, but Republicans have mastered it. They can get someone who makes the most outlandish claims and because they 'prove' their theories they become an expert on whatever the Republicans need at that time.

It makes those who actually have done the work and have credentials look foolish in my opinion.

[Catshrink]

1. About a billion bucks.

[WillParkinson]

2. Drat...you caught me!

I forgot 'money'.

Thanks. :-)

[izquierdista]

3. More evidence of the Dunning-Kruger effect

If two 'experts' disagree, it takes some knowledge and ability to listen to both sides and decide which makes the better argument. For those who can understand all the discussion and research, if one is faking his credentials it becomes obvious. However, for the incompetent, the 'expert' who comes closest to their unscientific prejudice wins out.

[stray cat]

4. More than ignorance spouting baseless words

[KharmaTrain]

5. When Someone Pays You...

I was told that years ago and have seen it in practice ever since. It's even easier to be an "expert" today...just set up a blog. I'm always suspect when I see an "expert" on the teevee without some kind of background on the person.

[ManiacJoe]

18. Pay = professional.

Many folks often wrongly infer that "professional" overlaps with "expert".

[madokie]

6. Paying attention and comprehension

[Bluenorthwest]

7. Only an Expert- by Laurie Anderson...

So who are these experts?
The expert is someone who carries malpractice insurance.
Because often the solution becomes the problem.

[HereSince1628]

8. Well.

ex, means after, and spurt means a flow, clearly this is about flow of information not water although a plumber could be an expurt.

So if you've learned to control the flow of information so that it says only what you want you're an expert, a.k.a. spin doctor or truth-slayer, depending on whether you are on defense or offense.

[rug]

9. Knowledge and experience.

[Prometheus Bound]

21. Yes.

[valerief]

10. $$$ is all it takes. nt

[CBR]

11. My colleagues always joke that one is an expert if they are traveling 50 miles or more to train you.

We are on a university campus and I swear they could just get people in the department to do half the crap they get "experts" to do.

[COLGATE4]

12. When it comes to testifying as an expert in litigation, the judge

determines whether a person is an expert in a given field. The Rules of Civil Procedure permit a person to be classified an expert based on education background and training (typical) or by virtue of experience (not so typical). In either case the right for a witness to testify as an expert can be subject to vigorous cross examination by the opposing Party's counsel. At that point it's up to the judge to qualify the person as an 'expert' for the purposes of that case.

[Historic NY]

13. exactly, I've been several times on various things ...they ask many questions...

before ruling on your qualifications. I recall a judge saying he thought he was back in classroom training when I was crossed by the other side. They went after me from A-Z.

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

14. Pukes use emotions, namely fear and Dems try to use reason. There is basic

difference that should be an advantage but in reality is a liability. Pukes have mastered the techniques of bypassing reason and diving directly into the reptilian brain. It's easy and comfortable to just go with instinct. No more thinking necessary and we can get back to watching the football game.

By throwing out "experts" to muddy the reason water they then go for the emotional response they want. It's pretty effective.

As a basic rule I'd say 10 years experience or equivalent education is required to be an expert in something.

[Stevenmarc]

15. Today, all you need is a blog

[Big Bill Jefferson]

16. Often times

all an individual needs is the power of an institution to get credibility and to be perceived as an "expert." Take for example The Ivy League and it's battalion of so-called experts who are really just doctrinaires for The Establishment.

Of course it helps to have copious amounts of cash behind your proclamations.

[HopeHoops]

17. You can't be an expert until you've been a pert.

[AnArmyVeteran]

20. :) like a con and excon

[Scuba]

19. They're from > 50 miles away and have a laptop.

[PCIntern]

22. Anne Elk = an Expert

An Elk! Run!