(no subject)

[redbird]

I finally heard back from Google Answers. My qualifications don't meet their present needs. They may be right--or they may just not see how good I'd be at this.

But the message goes on to say that I can still post comments on people's inquiries.

No fucking way. If I'm not good enough to get paid for this, I'm not going to do it for free.

When I want to give my time and energy away, there are plenty of projects that aren't paying other people to do the same work that I'd graciously be allowed to volunteer for. LJ support pays in points for egoboo, and Wikipedia doesn't even give that--but everyone gets the same (lack of) pay for the work. That's fair, that's cool; it doesn't mean I'll accept a backhanded slap and put my energy in for free where other people (and google as an organization) are getting paid in dollars.

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine Google Answers would be lucrative for an answerer, based on their structure.

[bohemiancoast.livejournal.com]

I'm a Google answers researcher -- but I think I got in before they realised they had more people wanting to be researchers than wanting to ask questions.

It's not really a moneymaking enterprise, though.

[jenett]

If it's any consolation or anything, I got the same reply from them (albeit some time ago).

And I've been doing online answering thingies on and off for a while now, for free (which I don't mind, but it'd be sort of nice to get paid for it.)

[laurelo.livejournal.com]

Currently I struggle with the time (and money too) I donate to build what has become a rather extensive website on Rootsweb. The concept of "free" online collaborative efforts appeal to me, but now Rootsweb is owned by Ancestry.com and suddenly there are lots of ads ...

jessamyn on google answers

[(Anonymous)]

Have you read jessamyn's experiences on Google Answers?

Her article at Searcher magazine: Information for Sale: My Experience With Google Answers (http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/oct02/west.htm)

How I Tried to Resign from Google Answers but Found I Was Already Fired (http://www.librarian.net/surreal.shtml)

Anita Rowland (http://www.anitarowland.com/)