So, let's recap. I'm sitting at my computer. I have a problem. I put my problem out there, on Expertcity.com, and then, I get a list of people bidding to help me. I can browse through their records and see how well they have performed in the past, get their records, and also see how much experience they have accumulated.

So, now we go to the next thing. I choose an expert, and he and I begin the session. This involves downloading a screen sharing software from Expertcity.com. It's less than 200 kBytes, and works very efficiently. It's quick, and what I get is a dialogue box that allows me to have a live chat session with my expert. At all times, the expert is very polite, and takes things one step at a time because, the expert now has the ability to share your screen. This means a number of things:

Interactive Chat : Obviously, this is the first part of the connection between you and the expert, and it's just like using AIM or ICQ. Screen Sharing : The expert gets to use your screen online, showing you exactly what's happening onscreen. However, the expert always asks permission before using your screen, and you can take control back at any time. Whiteboard Mode : This is a great feature. The screen can be turned into a whiteboard. You and the expert can type on any part of the screen, draw lines and point out problems, and highlight things. You have to use it to believe how easy and fun it can be. Remote Control : The expert can go as far as controlling the mouse and menu options. It's perfect for teaching and showing program features. Both of you will see exactly the same thing.

After the session ends, the applet that loaded the Expertcity.com software will remove it. This does mean that every time you connect to an expert you have to download the applet, but I would imagine that most people will prefer it that way. Subsequent to the session ending you get a feedback form which basically has three options, positive, neutral, and negative. Expertcity.com forces you to be very black and white about the support. I can't say how grateful I am for that.

Of course, Expertcity.com also has a motive in being so focused on the service provider's skills. In the future, the company expects that experts will be independents, and Expertcity.com will be a vehicle to help them connect to clients, and facilitate billing.

Now, I get to really juicy bit for you, the reader. Go to Buddyhelp.com , and you can become an expert, or get help, from anyone you choose. A friend or an associate. It's a very simple way of getting you and a person of your choice set up in exactly the same session as I have described above.

For me, Expertcity.com is the most exciting, innovative, and enticing product that I have seen at a trade show in many, many years. I can't even think of one cynical, or sarcastic thing to say about it. Maybe I'm losing my edge, or maybe I'm onto something. I tend to believe the latter.

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