What makes an authority? An authority is a person who can do it?

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   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   How many of us are authorities on the articles we write? What makes an authority? College degree? Experience? A writer writes an article. Does that make him or her an authority on writing? A person shoots a photo. Does that make him or an authority on photography?

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      OldRosesposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Are the disclaimers only going on certain sites?  I ask because I write how-to gardening hubs and there are no "authority" disclaimers on my hubs.  Is it because Dengarden doesn't require disclaimers or because I am an "authority" as a Master Gardener and gardening instructor?

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         Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         I don't see any disclaimer on my Dengarden articles and I am not a master gardener, but I have experience in the field working with a master.

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   psycheskinnerposted 5 years ago

   Someone who is an authority has objective recognition for their expertise.  e.g. a degree, award, peer-reviewed publication, license, professional standing with satisfied clients.
   
   A person can be an expert without this proof, but having it makes them an authority.  It is usually the 3rd of 4th definition of the word: "with proof, grounds or warrant"

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      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      What do you mean about "peer-reviewed publication"? I don't see that as recognition of authority because "You scratch my back. I'll scratch your back." There are many professions like that - particularly in the medical and secondary educational fields. A license doesn't suffice because anyone can get a license. Just look at all the mediocre drivers on the road.

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         psycheskinnerposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         Well, as a peer-reviewer if anyone asked me to do that I would report it to the editor in chief who would contact their institution and they would end up in from of an ethical review board.  And I only cite work that contributed to my publication,  Of course nepotism never helped in my career so I don't owe jack to anyone, and they probably wouldn't ask.
         
         But whether you support that system or not it is the system for building research authority which is good enough to affect tenure and million-dollar grants.  Whether Hubpages uses it is a matter of speculation.
         
         And by license I mean a state license to practice in a self-regulating profession with a competency standard and ethical complaints board.    e.g. a licensed psychologist.  That said you would want a person posted a hub about driving to have a license, and a person posting about forklift driving to have a forklift license.  It's a matter of what they are claiming expertise about and how that can be documented.
         
         Imperfect as they are, these are the systems we have to prove expertise.

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            Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you for clarification. I agree. The official means to establish authority is imperfect. What yardstick can we use to judge an authority? What about being able to do it? Proven success stories or products?

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            greenmindposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            Psycheskinner, thanks so much for your clear and concise explanation. Understanding and valuing the concept of peer-reviewed research is critical at a time when it seems we're knee-deep in flat-earth conspiracy nonsense and "alternative" facts.

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               Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

               Greenmind, How do you know they are nonsense? How can anyone tell the truth?

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            Will Apseposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            That just about nails it.
            
            As an aside, do you have a name that is not psche something? I find neologisms very hard to spell.

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   Will Apseposted 5 years ago

   The notion that anyone can do anything is rather wonderful but full of pitfalls.
   
   It seems especially strong in the US and UK. I put it down to translating the bible into English.
   
   Then there is all that democracy stuff.

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      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Yes. The pitfalls are obvious. The translation of the bible is a good example. The democracy situations as well. What about someone who can do and get results that are worth it?

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   Marie Flintposted 5 years ago

   The words "authority" carries many connotations. I considered my father as the authority figure in my life while growing up, for example. Anyone writing from life experience is, in a sense, an authority of that experience because it is first-hand and the writer, ideally, is sincere and at least somewhat skilled in expressing that experience in words.
   
   I don't consider myself an "authority" on any subject, but I write to share my experiences and what I have learned through reading or video viewing. Any perspective has an element of truth. It's then up to the reader to decide whether a particular view fits in with his or her accepted reality.
   
   On HubPages with its sister sites, all I can say is try. Write. If the team decides it's not worth featuring, they will certainly let you know.
   
   Wishing everyone writing success in 2019!

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5. 92

   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   Marie, I am sure your dad is a special person. I like this because as a writer you need to do your research and write the best you can in a truthful way. 
   
   I see authority as someone who has statistics that prove their worthwhile. Anyone can put up a shingle but how are their clients/patients doing.

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      TIMETRAVELER2posted 5 years agoin reply to this

      A lot depends on context.  To me an authority is someone who knows a great deal about something, whether his knowledge comes from training or experience doesn't really matter.  If someone has the combination of both things, even better.

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      Will Apseposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      If they are getting wet it is a bad sign.

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      Jean Bakulaposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I've studied Astrology for over 40 yrs., and have a thriving home business. I have repeat clients from all over the world. People in my field have written reviews about me, but it's true I know them. I've had to take numerous classes and workshops, spend thousands of dollars on books, and keep up to date on my subject. I consider myself an authority. So does the Metaphysical Center of NJ. But I still have someone from HP adding disclaimers to many of my articles, when I know they don't know anything about my subject (it's one of them, I read tarot and study metaphysics in general). A lot of it comes from life experience too, although I am clairsentient as well. It's a thought provoking question though.

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   Kenna McHughposted 5 years ago

   Jean, you know your business that is for sure. 40 years!!! The "disclaimer" at the bottom is to protect HP. The aesthetic quality of the notice needs some work, though.

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   psycheskinnerposted 5 years ago

   I think disclaimers are going to be on the kinds of topics where someone could hurt themselves and sue--possible but difficult with gardening.  More likely with medicine and amateur electric appliance repair.

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      Kenna McHughposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Plants are expensive and hard earn through care. To some, losing a plant is heartfelt. I don't know about "amateur" electric appliance repair. I think HP has some legit electric appliance repair Hubbers, who are pros.

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