You’ve got a question about your computer. A web search wasn’t helpful. Microsoft told you to contact your computer manufacturer. The manufacturer told you no, you need to talk to Microsoft. You dial a local store, and only get more aggravated when you hear a tinny voice say, “Press 1 to keep listing to an impersonal automated system. Press 2 to talk to a real person.” You stab ‘2’ and you hear a message saying the store is closed.
It’s hard to get personalized help for a specialized product, unless you know the secret: The Internet provides many avenues for cheap, assisted support. That’s right, humans: People helping people.
http://answers.google.com
Google Answers is a unique service: Type in your question or problem, the amount you’d be willing to pay for an answer (minimum two dollars), add a fifty cent service charge, and wait. A Google “Researcher” will answer your question in exchange for the money. Questions and answers are open to the public. Particularly handy is the fact that many non-Researchers answer numerous questions for free. This greatly increases your chance of getting a fast and helpful response. Only pay if your question is answered, and you can apply for a full refund if unsatisfied.
PROS: Greater chance of fast and accurate response due to payment. Good archive search ability.
CONS: Payment required.
http://www.allexperts.com
Pick the category to which your question applies. Examine the available volunteers. Their summaries will tell you their specialties and if they’re the best person to help. Pick a volunteer and type your question. Most answers are returned within a day. The site boasts thousands of qualified volunteers (many include “top lawyers, doctors, engineers, and scientists”).
PROS: Completely free. With a history since 1998, they have a large answer archive.
CONS: The search interface is frustrating and archived questions are difficult to find. The service is free due to its many ads (both on the site and email offers), so be prepared.
http://groups.google.com
Dating back to 1981, “Usenet” is a chaotic yet hugely comprehensive archive. Like the Internet without all the pretty pictures, Google Groups enhances this original text database. Either search for an answer, or browse the group listings and post a question for others to answer.
PROS: Completely free, and a monstrous database (over one billion postings).
CONS: The database size sometimes makes it difficult to sort through information. Use the “Advanced Search” to weed out old or non-applicable postings getting in the way of
your results.
The Internet’s power gives you a virtual tech support staff numbering in the millions. Sure, their hours are weird and they have a high turnover rate, but the results speak for themselves. And isn’t it nice to finally talk with a real person?