Still, at the moment, I think we have a clear case of why so-called experts might drop off the site. It's physically and emotionally exhausting trying to defend a reputation rather than to make one -- or to make the wrong kind. Once your name is on an article, you feel a bit of responsibility to make sure the article remains good -- especially in case your colleges see your name attached.
One of the things I love about this place is the people and the community (the one ark denied existed). I've found it very supportive for the most part, and I've learned something from almost everyone I've worked with, mostly because the people who write good articles are experts at learning enough about something to write good articles. I think that that is the kind of expertise that a good education brings, no matter the level of (or lack of) degree.
Jules (Fr. Julie)
Yes, I agree, right now I don't think being an expert is the point. The only point is "reputation". Because you care for your reputation, you feel the need to preserve it. You have two reputations to protect, the "virtual" one, here on Wikipedia, and the "real" professional one. I'm not so much around, but I had the feeling your "virtual" reputation was pretty good (ever wrote an article on bonding to break it ? jk). It seems people here trust you and your expertise. I understand your deep inner desire for information to be precise and reliable, but it appears to be also (mostly ?) a fear that an article you take care of, is flawed, causing your professional reputation to suffer. If so is your fear, why did you give your name and references ? Why leaving that information everywhere on the net ? Why not give that information privately, only to those who need to know ? Why not earn credentials later, while being one of wikipedia validating "expert" ? What you will lose in (potential better professional) reputation, you might earn in peace.
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