What makes an expert an expert?

**Rue** · 06-01-2010, 06:45 PM

This has me wondering for a while now. I saw Howard Stern's 'trophy wife Beth Ostrosky ' being interviewed the the day. I think she is/was a model.

She's written a book on dog care, called (cute title!) Oh My Dog!

It's co-authored of course.

But still; what makes her an expert? How many dogs has she trained or dealt with? And why would I want to buy a book by someone who doesn't really seem to have much expertise in anything - and who's just married to a big name?

And it's not just her...everytime I turn on the TV I see all these very young 'experts' in their field. They're not old enough to be experts in my opinion.

I don't get it!

**rothenb1** · 06-01-2010, 06:50 PM

Definitely along with experience in the field, an expert should have some form of education on the subject.

**Rue** · 06-01-2010, 06:57 PM

It would be nice if they had some official training, and if not, years and years of experience (while educating yourself) is fine...but I don't think Howard Stern's wife qualifies...

...and as far as all the others go? No idea...

Are there no older people out there willing to let their name stand? Or are older people just not marketable? Frankly, I have more confidence in older people that 20-somethings (as experts).

Doesn't mean you can't be an expert when you're young...I have a met a couple of those too...but they're few and far between.

**annageckos** · 06-01-2010, 07:26 PM

Any more popularity and saddly looks ( in a lot of cases) makes an 'expert'. To me age does not play a part in it. It is what you know. Anyone can write a book, anyone can make a website. I am very cautious about the info I get from either.

**Trillianne** · 06-01-2010, 07:35 PM

In this case I'd like to submit my grandfather's explanation of what an expert is:

X is an unknown quantity
pert is a drop of water

**tanks4thememories** · 06-01-2010, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Rue

This has me wondering for a while now. I saw Howard Stern's 'trophy wife Beth Ostrosky ' being interviewed the the day. I think she is/was a model.

She's written a book on dog care, called (cute title!) Oh My Dog!

It's co-authored of course.

But still; what makes her an expert? How many dogs has she trained or dealt with? And why would I want to buy a book by someone who doesn't really seem to have much expertise in anything - and who's just married to a big name?

And it's not just her...everytime I turn on the TV I see all these very young 'experts' in their field. They're not old enough to be experts in my opinion.

I don't get it!

I Know what you mean. Unfortunately I think a lot of our disappointment in these people is self inflicted. We put too much stock in the abilities of others instead of asking questions and doing our own research. According to "theFreeDictionary" The definition of expert is:
ex·pert (kspûrt)
n.
1. A person with a high degree of skill in or knowledge of a certain subject.
2.
a. The highest grade that can be achieved in marksmanship.
b. A person who has achieved this grade.
adj. (kspûrt, k-spûrt)
Having, involving, or demonstrating great skill, dexterity, or knowledge as the result of experience or training. See Synonyms at proficient.

So when I hear someone say expert in my mind I'm just thinking "oh ok well this guy is familiar with the material"...lol.
Oh my goodness don't get me started on celebrity experts or authors either...lol. It is so amazing we give these people the power to dictate our health, political, religious, and ethical decisions yet the only credential they have provided us with is the ability to capture our attention...rotfl

I totally understand where you are coming from Rue.
I't baffles me as well...lol.

**Bristley** · 06-02-2010, 12:19 PM

I've always been of the opinion that an expert is truly defined by their knowledge of the subject that they are "an expert" in. Regardless of age, if someone can prove that they know what they are talking about, using either experience or documented proof of their know-how, then they could be considered an expert on the subject.

**Rue** · 06-02-2010, 01:34 PM

That's a definition I can live with.

But I think a lot of today's experts don't qualify...but without seeing their credentials...guess I can't know that for certain...

**jaysee** · 06-02-2010, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Rue

This has me wondering for a while now. I saw Howard Stern's 'trophy wife Beth Ostrosky ' being interviewed the the day. I think she is/was a model.

She's written a book on dog care, called (cute title!) Oh My Dog!

It's co-authored of course.

But still; what makes her an expert? How many dogs has she trained or dealt with? And why would I want to buy a book by someone who doesn't really seem to have much expertise in anything - and who's just married to a big name?

And it's not just her...everytime I turn on the TV I see all these very young 'experts' in their field. They're not old enough to be experts in my opinion.

I don't get it!

One word.....marketing.