Expert: Katie - 12/8/2006

Question
Hi Katie,
First let me suggest a loose end that needs editing. On the top expert "shortest average response time" category page, the descriptive criterion still says a minimum of '5' instead of '45', although the list clearly shows the change has taken place. By the way the list looks so much better and relevant to my eyes. The listed 25 experts are quite diverse in subject matter. It is a much more credible criterion and result.
On the "Private" question option I am wondering whether the program could be changed so that when such a question is presented to the expert he would have an indication that that is the case. As it is now, the expert doesn't learn that it is to be treated as private until after the answer is written and sent. I have been surprised and disappointed to find out later only after investing a good deal of time and energy presenting a rather detailed response on the assumption that other questioners might come along later and read it and need more background information. Were I to know that beforehand I would likely treat the response somewhat differently. If there was just a one sentence or phrase notification with the question noting that it was "Private" I would be most appreciative.
On another loose end would you have any progress to report on the possibility of having a search capability for those who seek out the subjects of previously answered questions from a specific expert? With so many on my list I am virtually certain that potential questioners would give up early and just ask their question even if it had been answered already.
Finally might I note that the SPAM Guard protection box is somewhat problemmatic? About half the time that I use it I make a mistake because of additional an alpha numberic that just can't be distinguished from the real thing. It is frustrating for the user and can even result in a crash and loss of his effort in posing the question. Perhaps a less severe veiling could be invoked?
Thanks so much for all that you do to make this service a success. You are very helpful.
Roland

Answer
Thanks for catching that - I've fixed it to show 45. Should be accurate tomorrow.

In the heading of the "Answer the Question" page, just above the Subject: line, it states whether or not a question is private.

The last 2 requests are on our TO DO list, but our priority for this month is to get the blogs and category wikis up and running.

Hope this helps and
thanks for volunteering,
Katie
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