If you are like a lot of computer users, when you need help you will typically first try to Google for an answer. If this brings no results, the next step is computer support forums. A lot of these forums can be helpful, but in some cases the advice can be misleading or inaccurate. You could also be waiting days for that person to answer your quick questions to get you going in the right direction. I would like to offer another option to you.
I am an IT professional with over 15 years experience, and this economy has really tested my patience with regards to the workforce. Day in and out, I have been searching forums, websites, Craigslist, Monster.com, Dice.com, etc… and for someone in my position it has been difficult finding support gigs anywhere. For most of these sites, I take my time to answer people carefully and offer my help for a much reduced rate than what I was used to getting 12 months ago. Most users will not even take the time to reply. The moment you mention a nominal fee for service they end the chat session without a thank you. It would be great to feel that people are not that rude, but it’s not the case lately.
For those in need of just a quick answer, I am glad to help for a very small fee, and I’ll point you in the right direction. This is not the type of answer that will get the job done for you, but if you just need a jump start, this is an option. I have a profile on Crossloop.com that can put you in contact with me for some help. http://www.crossloop.com/FreeSource-IT
There are many pay-to-answer sites out there, but I have not had any luck using or supporting them. JustAnswer.com made me go through a process to sign up as an expert, and at the end of the process I completed, they told me that the amount of experts in that category was “Full”. It would have been slightly polite to tell me this before I spent half my day applying to join. I would also like to note that this site made me take a “test” to become an “expert”. I passed the test, but the questions were very dated and did not merit any high level of intelligence to answer. It’s just my professional opinion that answering a few questions about DOS is not going to make me an expert in anything, not even DOS.
The truth is, computers are very fickle machines, and only experience can resolve a problem without creating others. I am looking for long term relationships to help others and guide them when a need arises. Please contact me if you should need some help along the way.
