By the way, this list of members who have
volunteered to lend their knowledge/experience in certain topical areas, is a directory of those who have made themselves available to help out on a one-on-one basis with anyone who seeks additional resources, help with a specific project, a "second opinion" . . . . or simply a shoulder to cry on.
The terms "guru" or "expert" were obviously used with a degree of poetic license in describing our volunteers' actual credentials (even though a number of them
could be accurately classified as such).
This list
IS NOT a "certification roster" of actual experts, since it is solely based upon those who merely happened to come forward to offer a helping hand. Plus, we have no way of verifying anyone's actual expertise in a given area . . . other than their given word. So, of course, we'll all proceed at our own risk in heeding their respective advice.
(Fortunately, virtually everyone on that list
has been around long enough where we've already been able to determine their level of credibility based upon their past forum contributions and demeanor. And, time itself will weed out the egos, the over-opinionated and the
know-it-all types, if there are any.)
Instead, this list primarily serves to identify those who are
willing to assist us the best they can if called upon.
What's
most important, is that our "gurus" and/or mentors are approachable, diplomatic, patient, non-judgmental and know their own limitations when offering advice.
The
best guru/mentor is the one who knows when to say, "I don't
know. Let me refer you to someone who
does."
