So many terms and phrases that come close to meaning the same thing while being totally different from each other. Being labeled a Social Marketing expert I have both tried to learn enough to maybe qualify (I never will know enough) and find out what that term means in todays world.

Some terms to think of that in todays world comes close

Thought leader - Someone who has opinions that enough people value to make them a micro celebrity

Community Leader - Someone who is trusted by enough people in a community that actions they take will have a drastic effect on that community

Authority Voice - Someone whose online postings are considered highly valuable rather it is due to their opinion or ability to get the facts/information together

These are just a few terms I come across that when someone is called an expert it is one of the above that is really meant. I always thought an expert was someone who actually knew enough about the subject to be correct most of the time. But based on the above in todays world an expert is merely someone who talks wayyyy too much. You can read 1 book and as long as you focus your words on the information from that 1 book and anything else you study around that subject you are considered an expert.

So what I have learned then is that really an expert is someone who is full of SH&*. Well in many ways that fits me IMO.

"Edit" Link to a great article about authority