Why do people insist on getting their information from internet sites instead of from proven reliable sources?

Question

As a benefit counselor for American Income Life, I am OFFENDED that potential employees and clients insist on getting their information from internet bashing sites instead of calling the government agencies that govern our field. Next time you question the legitamacy of an insurance company, call your provincial or state insurance review board. All insurance companies are required to be registered with these agencies where detailed records are kept regrading performance and the ways in which we conduct our business.
If someone applies to work with an insurance company, they HAVE to pass the provincial / state exam. You have 3 tries to pass the exam; so if you fail, you can study for anoother week or two and write again. All great careers begin with an investment of your time and money (university if a far more expensive investment and you have no guarantee of job). This is also how we weed out the individuals who probably won't do well in the field.
Check your sources.

Answer 1

I know what you mean. I deal with lots of smart-alecky customers. Young people in their twenties who are a little bit educated. They think that everything regarding insurance can be obtained from the internet and that they do not need any advice from a licensed and qualified Financial Advisor.
If everybody is able to just instinctively purchase the correct insurance program just by reading up on propaganda/advertisements/biased reviews on the internet, then why do we still need Financial Advisors?

Answer 2

Wow, this is more of a statement than a question, but I shall answer it just the same. When a person needs insurance or is thinking of getting into the insurance field, it is only natural to seek as much information as possible. That is what the internet is, a vast collection of information. So why wouldn't people go there first to do the base research, then use that knowledge to either progress or change directions? I do internet research on just about every topic man can think of, because it is the easiest place to get the information I seek, and I do it all right here from my home office. Makes sense to me to not have to go to a library or other sources.

Answer 3

Because the aliens from other planets have already targeted our so called "reliable sources" to disseminate their propaganda!

You can't trust any of the media! Only our independent internet sources are free from otherworldly influences!!!!!

But seriously...this is America, and you work for an industry that has a proven record of employing crooks and scoundrels. So, by all means be offended, but recognize that it's the nature of the industry.

Your "question" is not even a real question, it is simply a rhetorical question to allow you to vent about your working environment.

Once again there is nothing wrong with doing so, but your "question" fails to understand the concerns of the potential customers. As an employee, or independent contractor, you have already "bought" the benefits of associating with American Income Life - whereas potential employees and customers still retain their critical thinking skills. It is by recognizing and validating their points that you may allow them to share your point of view.

By the way, spellcheck is available.

Answer 4

I understand your frustration. But here is the deal. The general public is quite ignorant about government sites. I have seen people asking for information about property taxes over and over and over on this forum. Very few responded by telling the asker to go to the government property appraiser's site and take a quick look. The information is all there. The reason? our schools really have not done a very good job of teaching the students how to look and our governments have not done a very good job of marketing its services. So government sites by an large become best keep secrets. In additional, many of the government sites are so large and cumbersome, someone not knowing exactly what they are looking for easily gets lost and gives up. A lot of the government sites need to be more user friendly to the layman.

Answer 5

From personal experience, you can't get a reliably correct answer from most governmental agencies. Take the well-publicized IRS Hotline case - when you call with basic questions, you'll get a wrong answer 28% of the time (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/975537/posts).

The vast majority of insurance salespeople I have worked with are GREAT at selling - but rely on other people for technical answers. And most "clients" have a salesperson as the contact person.

Lastly, the reason people check internet sites, they are LAZY. It takes, what, ten seconds to do a yahoo search and come up with hundreds of answers. Some of them you might even like!! Which, of course, makes you want to believe it more.

Answer 6

Maybe people take the answers for what they are they are hearsay. These are ever day people that are just swapping their thoughts and opinions back and forth. I don't believe that people with a serious question decide to ONLY ask questions to Yahoo answers. This is also a way to brainstorm what you should do when you have a problem arise and you are unsure of what to do. Please suggest to people that they should call the appropriate government agency by answering there questions.

Answer 7

the internet is the fastest and easiest way to get information. I am from the old school where we actually made phone calls and checked things out personally. I still do that, but some do not know how to research and the proper sources to call.

Answer 8

Many people don't know that they should complaint to their state insurance commissioner.

If you have a complaint, contact your State Insurance Commissioner
http://www.naic.org/state_web_map.htm

Answer 9

the internet does have some reliable sources, you just have to be careful what you think is legit and what is wrong.