11/16/2008: "experts!"

hate them... cannot stand the total piffle they spout...

i have a simple approach to them: if a person proclaims themselves to be an expert in any non life threatening subject - they invariably are not!
it doesnt work all the time, but it serves well at protecting me from "spin"

just read a crackin article about an estate agent in glasgow, having a one day sale, with many houses and flats at "upto 40% off"
the woman estate agent says...

"there are plenty of people with the money to buy out there, despite prices falling across the UK, here in scotland prices continue to rise!" - the "expert" has spoken?

facts
- the very next article stated "house prices in scotland report a sharp fall!"
- headline article on the list down the side of the article states "UK housing market in free fall"
- how many did she sell? she wouldnt say
i think she may be trying to talk up her business and trying desperately to sell something before her failing business model goes under and she has to get a proper job!

on a similar theme: self promotion and the expert
antiques roadshow have had their first 1 million pound evaluation.
- they tell us of the record viewing figures they are getting
- its a story being run by the BBC on news 24, bbc website, regular BBC channels and bulletins, even BBC radio (every hour)

yet they cant tell us what the thing is, as its a top secret until the show is broadcast!
you think they are trying to "sell" their program?