Is there a service that allows you to pay to talk to a domain expert?
This might sound like a dumb question because, yes, of course you could take a college course or book an appointment with a doctor. But I mean, something semi on-demand where a person could pepper, something like a genetics expert with questions for two hours if they're willing to pay $500/hour to do so.
Any ideas?
I would love such a kind of service if as an expert, you could pair yourself with another expert who needs your service, and you need their service. Like bartering.
Hedge funds, private equity firms, and management consulting shops use expert networks a lot. They’re often looking at a potential investment, and seek to talk to people deeply familiar with the industry and competitive landscape. Usually a firm like Guidepoint will spam a group of people to facilitate an introduction. Top experts can name their price.
I'd love this as well. It doesn't necessarily have to be only high tech/science. There are many times I'd simply like to talk to an experience plumber, electrician, home builder, auto mechanic etc. in a context that doesn't incentivize them to do work for me.
They’re called expert networks. Hedge funds often use their service to learn about a sector / upcoming technology (i.e drug trial, etc...).