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...
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7 comments:

  1. AndrewApril 11, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    People instinctively perceive value as measured in dollars and cents.

    "If you're giving something away then obviously it can't be as good as something you'd charge $5 for."

    ReplyDelete
  2. EliseApril 12, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    LOL Andrew, at least I don't have to worry about refunds.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 21, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    paid = expert ...Where do the Best Buy Geeks who say that logical drives went away with DOS or the local independent independent shops who do virus removal for $49 using free automated programs fall in this category?

    free = second best ...I wonder how many people have discovered the wealth of resources the volunteers here and at similar sites provide?

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 21, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Aren't the BEST things in life free ?

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousDecember 21, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    You helped me fix a nasty problem on my daughter's PC about a year ago. I DEFINITELY consider you (and your colleagues)an EXPERT. Unfortunately I find myself in a similar situation on a different machine. I once again have turned to you (experts) for help. Thank you for your excellent work.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ford.daDecember 29, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    I can only hope to receive help from you on bleepingcomputer with my issues!

    I work on family and friends PCs as a hobby. But if I get stuck, I know my depth, I head over to bleeping for information and help.

    I would never devalue your help with such a degrading comment such as that.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jim (California)April 4, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    Just want to thank you for your expertise and help. The methods you posted elsewhere were what I needed to remove the svchost.exe *32 virus from my computer. THANK YOU!

    ReplyDelete

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