Sandy,
I have a degree in Animal Science, and right after I finished Clemson(along time ago)I worked for the extension service as a county agent. The defination they had for a "expert" was anyone that was over 30 miles from home. This came from the fact that when you had a problem you usually bought an outsider in, an they usually had to drive to get to these rural communties, and that made them a expert.

Example number two: a couple months ago I heard an interview on the radio with James Gregory the comedian. The announcer asked, James exactlly how did you get the title "the funniest man in America"? James replied, I gave it to myself!! The announcer replied, no contest, no group, you did it yourself. James replied, yes, one day I just decided that I was going to the "the funniest man in america".

So, see... if other people can do it, you can to! Just make YOURSELF a EXPERT!

Why I know this fellow that made himself a KING!!

Honestly, what I am saying is that if you research a subject, study it, etc, and write about it, you to can be a expert on that subject.

Best of Luck.

Richard