Get real-time answers with IM an Expert
New service offers real-time answers to questions on any topic
Do you have questions, but no time to research the answers? Do you have expertise that might be helpful to others?
Sign up for IM an Expert, a new service that connects you with other members of the IU community for real-time answers to questions on any topic.
Whether you have a question about IT at IU, want to know why the “B” in Herman B Wells doesn’t have a period, or need an opinion on the best Star Wars movie, you can bet that one of the service’s experts has the answer.
So, how does it work?
IM an Expert is available to IU students, faculty, and staff statewide, and works on any platform. All you need to participate is UniCom instant messaging software (Lync for Windows, Communicator for Mac, or Pidgin for Linux), and a profile describing your interests, hobbies, and areas of expertise.
When someone asks a question, IM an Expert searches user profiles for related keywords and then sends IM alerts to the most likely experts. The first person to respond enters the chat session. At the end, the asker has the option to rate the answer. The service uses these ratings to develop a list of best-qualified responders for future questions.
IM an Expert is a human-powered answering service, so its effectiveness increases as it gains users. To get started, visit:
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