How about a Genuine Techy List

Altahost

jbreckmckye wrote: »

I understand the idea behind this suggestion - but I have two issues. One, as others have raised, is that it would be very difficult for the forum to effectively verify and confer 'Techie' status. There are other forums out there that do similar things, and are in a better position to do so.

The other is that anyone who posts on the internet must learn to exercise their discretion. I would never stake my health on advice on a semi-anonymous board, and nor would I trust the fate of valuable data. The posts here are to be taken as recommendations, on a par with advice you might hear at the bus stop. Practically speaking, that's about as far as you can trust anything I, you, or a 'Techie' on here can post. Welcome to the Internet.

Policing would require a questionaire, quite a simple one at that and a place to upload scanned pictures.

It is still a choice and it is very difficult for a trained engineer to B***S*** in front of others, no matter what the trade. Credibility would soon be lost. I suggest he/she would spend extra time verifying the facts before posting "solutions"

pcombo

9. Chat Forum/Message Board

9.2.2 post or transmit advertisements for or solicitations of business; = altahost
9.3 Please note that any posting of information in these forums is the opinion of the person posting only and in no way reflects our opinions or attitudes. Although we believe we have an amazing chat forum with a huge wealth of information of benefit to many users, you must remember that we operate an open forum and sometimes messages are posted that are misleading, deceptive, or downright wrong. You should not therefore rely on information being accurate or complete. If you do, you do so at your own risk.

Inactive

Altahost wrote: »

Thats exactly how the data was lost. That thread is still ongoing and at the moment the poor guy is desperately trying to slavage his data.

I do hope that he manages to " salvage " his data.;)

Antispam

Just interested but which thread was the person who lost his/her data

Altahost

pcombo wrote: »

I think altahost thinks hes some big shot and just wants to show off what he can offer. So come on what can you offer to MSE that others cant.

Perhaps I am the idiot here for asking a question that was only intended as a topic and may actually assist someone for free.

My question stemmed from recent incident in the forum that cost someone his data.

Big me up??? I hardly think so. This is my spare time and my offering to assist. I am an engineer...not the best nor the worst nevertheless 20 years experience and a CSD is enough for me. I am no egotistical wannabe. I simply asked a question?

One thing for certain, I would never have risked a users data with incorrect advice.

Just wonder where the village is

jbreckmckye

Policing would require a questionaire, quite a simple one at that and a place to upload scanned pictures.

And someone to read them, know their import, able to verify that they weren't faked, and in a position to take responsibility for the consequences of any and all 'advice' they granted authority to. I don't think you're going to find many who'll willingly do that.

Inactive

Altahost wrote: »

I do actually know that. The point is being missed a little. If there was a group of qualified in whatever trade trying to assist someone, the result must be safer. It wouldnt stop those that are unqualified offering advice.

It would just mean the threads would have a variant of answers from those that have been taught and little interuption from those that are in fact guessing

Because somebody hasn't qualified with some fancy University Degree, that doesn't make them any less qualified to answer, they may very well in fact know far more about the subject.

pcombo

yes i totaly agree with that one.

Altahost

Antispam wrote: »

I think most of the advice is posted in good faith, and whilst a small minority of posts may be wrong advice, if data was so important than perhaps the person with the problem should seek professional advice

You may well get advice from debt councillors or solicitors on here but if there expert enough they always said seek advice locally

I think the over consensus on here is its a bad idea and I wager Martin would think same too due to obviously reason such as data protection. ligation etc etc

Most people with any common sense would realise advice given is just that posted in good faith

A question answered with an opinion at last. I see where you are with this but my question to you would be where does the "small majority" statistic come from. Over the last day or so I must have read 200 different posts.
I agree, some were answered very well but in my opinion equal to those that I personally would not have advised on, right or wrong

Antispam

Another thing that occurred to me is if a person has to prove they are 'qualified' you might well put them off helping, as the advice is given out freely, putting obstacles in peoples way is a sure way of alienating those who want to give advice out for free