Is it wise to claim that able2know has experts

Isn't that also true of the "outside" world at large?

People are responsible to weigh the advise provided on a2k against what's available any place else. I think most people who provide advise always tell the poster to seek professional advise when appropriate.

I don't know know, I express opinions but I don't suggest folks consult a paid expert. I just see this as a place to have exchanges, I worry about kids asking for Latin translations instead of doing the work themselves. The crazy person looking for help with his lawyers sent me around the bend.

Just for what it's worth, those Latin translations are largely for tattoos or impressive looking tags. Please don't ask me why someone would want a tattoo in Latin or any other language.

As for what is clearly assigned homework, some provide a sense of direction. Mostly, they get ridicule. I don't see anyone sitting around doing someone else's homework.

As for language help, it is mostly ESL students needing help in the many, many cases where a dictionary simply doesn't offer help. In some cases, I think we are helping translators with their job. Remember that this was one of the prime purposes of the site.

So far as legal and medical advice, most of it seems to be either shared experience, or the OP is advised to seek professional help.

Having said all that, yes, it is a stretch to consistantly expect expert advice here.

Thank you for bringing this up.

I do agree that it is not wise to assume someone on A2K is an expert.
If we see such a post (especially when the stakes are high) we should direct the asker to seek professional assistance.

I am a big fan of humor.
I don't think it is helpful to make a joke of such a situation (mental illness, abuse, drug addiction), as I have seen done before with what seem to be "cries for help". I haven't necessarily seen this here at A2K, but in other venues.

I would consider myself an expert in some fields of healthcare, such questions I have no hesitance in answering. The terms of service agreement for A2K stipulates that such advice is not to be taken as medical advice. I will remind the asker of my credentials as a nurse in such a situations, and suggest appropriate resources. The asker should beware though, none of our credentials can be verified.

In such situations (high stakes), I think that if non-professionals are going to offer answers they should qualify those answers as being "from personal experience" or "in my opinion as a _____", etc.

I think I found the thread you were referring to.
COG is Children of God, a rather notorious cult.
FREECOG is an group that tries to deprogram cult members.

In my real life I do have friends from all walks of life as the expression goes. If I need help in a certain area I would ask the one who I think knows the best and s/he will tell me what to do or tell me where to go.
That is the way a2k works or should work;
Of course there is a certain group, which always will come up with a nasty remark at any given chance.
As none of my friends know anything about Plattville WI I will ask a2k and hope someone can inform me about this place. It might not be an expert but at least someone who knows more than I do and then in my eyes is an expert.

Claiming that able2know has experts is not implied.

Glitterbag -

http://able2know.org/topic/209518-1#post-5274754

Craven addressed the business of helping people with answers in at least a few posts in the past - I haven't looked them out. He was pretty clear the the community aspect was not his first priority I haven't tried to chase those posts down.

Not sure if it is wise or not...but the important question is: Is it true or not?

I think you have the right post. I'm not aware of the cult or the other organization, but the tone of the poster seemed desperate and that was alarming. I saw the post fairly late at night, and felt the poster needed help that I certainly am not equipped to provide. I wasn't trying to stir everybody up or malign the forum, but if you try to find a2k via google, the description of the site reads like a scholarly talented group of experts. Please don't think I am saying people shouldn't reach out, I enjoy the exchanges so for me it's mostly entertainment and I get a little strident from time to time.

I have noticed some of your answers to people dealing with health issues and think you have offered truly good and compassionate advice. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when she was 58, making her the youngest member of this huge Irish clan so far to be stricken. Frankly on one thread you were the first person to recognize such a problem and offer sound advice.

So in closing, I think it's wonderful that this site exists, it's difficult to recognize every situation that could possibly come up. It's good to have a community and this forum fills that bill for many.

There is a group on a2k for ex members of that cult.

http://groups.able2know.org/xfamily/

Wow, that's a heaping cauldron of misery. I had no idea how difficult their situation was, I have never heard of this group. Seems very sad. I would be completely useless to this group, but I hope they find peace, they seem to have walked thru hell and back.

Some of them post here once in a while, not knowing that there is a Group - most of us look only at the Forums routinely, and the ones who post in New Pages are probably new to the site.

To any question, the best answer is to nasally say "Sorry, I'm gay." It is like the best answer to any question. Wanna play some video games? Would you like to help me carry this? Could you help me hold the door? Any questions? What's the answer to this problem.
With this good weather in NY, I'm going to try saying this to random girls on campus for science, and laughs. TTYL.

Siiiiiiiiigggggggghhhhhhhhh

But it you google able 2 know. that is what you get.

I guess I knew that from the first post, even without google.

We have many expert bullshitters here. We also have some knowledgeable people. But we can't lay claim to being Snopes, Wikipedia, Google and the like. But why should we. We've already got those.

Thank you Glitterbag. For the compliment and thank you more for addressing this issue. I did not mistake you for attempting to disparage A2K, I took your intent to be a genuine concern for helping others. No need to apologize for getting strident, don't neglect that skill, it can be a blessing in my experience. Maybe not a blessing to you, but it can certainly be a blessing to others.
I am sorry to hear about you and your mother's struggles. You seem a caring person, I am sure she is lucky to have you.