Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for verifying experts on a consultation system is provided. Identity and credential information is received at a web server from a potential expert. A selection of a category that the potential expert wants to be admitted is also received. The identity information and at least a portion of the credential information may be verified. The potential expert is accepted as an expert based in part on a result of the verifying of the identity and credential information. Once accepted, an account associated with the potential expert is activated to allow the potential expert to become an expert and to allow the expert to provide answers on the consultation system when the potential expert is accepted.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for verifying experts on a consultation system is provided. Identity and credential information is received at a web server from a potential expert. A selection of a category that the potential expert wants to be admitted is also received. The identity information and at least a portion of the credential information may be verified. The potential expert is accepted as an expert based in part on a result of the verifying of the identity and credential information. Once accepted, an account associated with the potential expert is activated to allow the potential expert to become an expert and to allow the expert to provide answers on the consultation system when the potential expert is accepted.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for providing pricing options in a consultation system is provided. In one embodiment, user input from a user is received. The user input is directed to a question the user intends to post to the consultation system. Pricing factors are determined in part from the user input. A pricing option is then determined by analyzing the pricing factors with pricing attribute data whereby the pricing attribute data may be based on current consultation system dynamics, user history, and completed transactions on the consultation system. The determined pricing option is presented.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for providing pricing options in a consultation system is provided. In one embodiment, user input from a user is received. The user input is directed to a question the user intends to post to the consultation system. Pricing factors are determined in part from the user input. A pricing option is then determined by analyzing the pricing factors with pricing attribute data whereby the pricing attribute data may be based on current consultation system dynamics, user history, and completed transactions on the consultation system. The determined pricing option is presented.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for verifying experts on a consultation system is provided. Identity and credential information is received at a web server from a potential expert. A selection of a category that the potential expert wants to be admitted is also received. The identity information and at least a portion of the credential information may be verified. The potential expert is accepted as an expert based in part on a result of the verifying of the identity and credential information. Once accepted, an account associated with the potential expert is activated to allow the potential expert to become an expert and to allow the expert to provide answers on the consultation system when the potential expert is accepted.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for creating a new channel on a consultation system is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a selection to create a new channel is received from a device of a creator. Data directed to creating the new channel is also received. The data may include category information for the new channel. The new channel is created based on the received data. In one embodiment, the new channel is a new category. In another embodiment, the new channel is an affiliate relationship.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus and method for providing expert quality control on a consultation system is provided. Feedback is received for an expert. The feedback may be from users of the consultation system, other experts on the consultation system, or third-parties with relevant expertise and may comprise direct and indirect feedback. Adjustment factors are recorded for the expert. The adjustment factors comprise public and non-public actions associated with the expert. The expert is then evaluated using the feedback and the adjustment factors.