Since the beginning of the year, there has been a lot of activity in online Q&A sites due to increased funding and launch announcements. The next generation of question and answer sites promise higher quality, informed answers, and the opportunity to publish and showcase your knowledge and expertise. Whether you’re a consultant looking to increase your exposure, a small business looking to use product advice to gain new business, or just guy in serious need of help, first know that it’s about so much more than just asking or answering. There are ways to ask the best questions, provide great answers and ultimately build your reputation; here are eight guidelines that can help.