How are the experts from the "ask an expert" individual forms selected?

[Tigerchild]

I'm just curious as to the process of how they are selected.

Do they profit from their partnership with Mothering?  Does Mothering profit from them (by making revenue for an individual forum)?

I've been looking for an explanation for this, haven't been able to find it, if I've missed the thread that explained how/why this was set up, please redirect me.

[Cynthia Mosher]

Some volunteer. Others we invite. The new set up is simply a move of our panel from mothering.com to MDC. It makes the interaction process more direct and user-friendly for them.

No profit is made directly from their participation. They are not paid and we do not charge a fee. It's simply experts sharing their advice and recommendations. 

[PuppyFluffer]

What is the expected time frame that an expert is generally able to respond to a thread placed under their name?  I see that there are two for Marilyn  Milos, neither has had a reply from her.  http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/list/16912/marilyn-milos 

 I know that first thread was originaly posted to TCAC forum.  Are threads being duplicated to the Experts and remaining in the original forums they were posted in or are they being moved from one forum to another.  I would think that placing a duplicate, and also leaving the thread in it's original location would give it exposure to the knowledge of MDC's membership as well as the experts.

[Cynthia Mosher]

We have not set a time frame as each expert has their own limitations as to how much time they can give to answering. However, the forum is just getting started and the experts have had some issues with their accounts and logging in so they can access the threads and post replies. We think everything is resolved now so you should see some new replies this week.

We are not duplicating or moving or placing any questions. Members are the ones doing so. So I suspect the person whose question is in TCAC and Milos forum posted it twice herself. :) 

[PuppyFluffer]

Cynthia, thanks so much for the reply.  I hope the kinks are worked out soon.  You all have had so much to do and work out with the new format!  Thanks for all the hard work.

[Cynthia Mosher]

You're very welcome. 

[Sourire]

I really love the idea of the "ask the experts" section. It seems like a great resource for us. Great job guys!

I totally understand all these experts are volunteering their time, and I really appreciate the fact that they would be willing to do this to help us MDC members out.

However I asked a question for Jeanne Ohm a week ago... and I noticed that she has had 4 questions asked to her in the past 6 weeks and there is not one single reply. Is this normal? Is there any plan to follow up with absentee experts and maybe have them replaced by someone else if it turns out that they don't have the time to participate in MDC after all?

[Cynthia Mosher]

Sorry about that Sourire. I've not been checking the forums to make sure they are answering. I'll check in with Jeanne and see what the issue is.