Positioning the Experts

by Kim Taylor

One of the best things about the Web is the speed at which new platforms are developed.  Among the latest and greatest is Quora, a “continually improving collection of questions and answers.”  Sounds a bit like Wikipedia for subject-matter “experts,” or a finely tuned version of Google.

Either way, the concept is intriguing.  You can ask or answer questions, position yourself or your client as a subject-matter expert, or browse three categories of questions (latest, open, or unanswered, and best) for items of interest.

Quora’s quest is to create a place where eventually everything you’d ever want to know is asked and answered.

Let’s say your client is an expert in the development of thin-film batteries.  He or she can ask or answer questions on the topic, positioning himself as an expert on the topic.  But, it doesn’t end there.  Others can edit the questions, add to the answers and organize it as they see fit.  But unlike Wikipedia, changes are tracked by person so it’s easy to see who’s helping or hurting your topic … and users of Quora can vote on answers promoting them as the “best” answer.

I’m not sure I’m qualified to judge the usefulness of Quora yet, but I already see tons of opportunities; and based on this list of reporters already exploring the site, PR should pay attention.