Expert: Juli D. - 2/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm working on my masters in library science and I'm evaluating this site as a reference source.  The only way I can determine the way questions are processed is to create a request, so I hope you will help me. What is your usual turn-around time for questions?  Is it this site's policy to acknowledge receipt of questions and to notify users if their question won't be answered?  I really appreciate any feedback you can offer.  If there are any other points you would like me to include in my evaluation, please feel free to include them in your response.  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!
Pat

ANSWER: Good day Pat!
        A lot depends on what's going on in my life, the obscurity of the film in question and how much a person can tell me about what they are looking for (research must be done!). So, as far a turn-around time, I like to respond within the week but it sometimes takes me a week or a little more.
         I do not know if the site lets the questioner know when/if the expert receives the question, however, it is up to the individual expert to answer or to let the questioner know that they cannot answer a question: The expert in question receives an email when they are asked a question, (This includes the question itself) when they click the link located within the email, they are brought to a page that gives them the chance to select whether they will answer the question immediately, need the question emailed to them for further consideration, explain why they can't answer, etc. The expert's response is then sent to the questioner.
         Although it is up to the individual expert to answer each question put to them, All Experts does email the expert after two days if the question is not answered, so the site moderators do all they can to make sure that your questions are answered in a timely manner. The rest is up to the individual expert. I must admit that I may not be the best as far as that is concerned. :0) But, I do my best.
         I have used this site both as an expert and as a questioner and I have been very pleased with my experiences.
         I hope that this has been helpful to you! Good luck with your masters.
         Cheers!
         ~J.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt response to my question.  I was able to get the answers I needed by following through on the question-asking process.  A couple more question - do you ever provide Web links to resources for those asking questions?  Are you given an official policy to follow?  I hope I'm not being annoying because this information will really help me.  Thanks!
Pat

Answer
         I occasionally will include a web link in my responses. Again a lot depends on the question, and whether I know that a site is safe to connect to.
         When one wants to become an expert, there is a "terms of use" that you have to read and agree to. Other than that, I don't know of any "official policy".
         No, you're not being annoying. I am more than happy to help! If there's anything else I can do, let me know.
         Cheers!
         ~J.