Monday, April 11, 2011

Next-best

Every once in a while I encounter users I am helping online to remove malware who tell me: "I think I will have this resolved by an Expert..." Usually this happens when things do not go as fast as anticipated. Said Expert usually is a form of paid support (whether that is online/remote support or a local repair shop).

This always makes me wonder: can you only be considered an expert if you are paid for what you do? That would be a discouraging conclusion, meaning that no matter how hard or how well I work in malware removal, as long as I do that on a voluntary basis, I'm still considered "next-best". Now I know quite a few people more knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to malware removal than I am, but they also are working as volunteers.

So, why does "getting paid" inspire more confidence than being a volunteer? I have no idea. I have my own "policy", which means that I do my best to help everyone as best as I can. I think I can safely say that I have managed so far to bring that in practice. If that is still not enough, then by all means, find an Expert...