No longer in beta, Google announced Helpouts is now open.

I'm not really sure what to make of this as the potential is huge, but the challenge of finding someone, hooking up with them, then, after the short session, sometime later, I go back to the project and hope it's resolved. I'd rather just ask a friend/colleague, or go down the DIY store and get the free, expert advice from an expert.

I can imagine lots of questions and answers remaining online for all to refer back to.

Today, we’re announcing Helpouts—a new way to get and give help over live video. Our goal is simple: help people help each other. We want to use the convenience and efficiency of the web to enable everyone, no matter where they are or what time it is, to easily connect with someone who can help.Google Launches Helpouts [googleblog.blogspot.com]

With Helpouts, you can choose who you get help from based on their qualifications, their availability, their price, their ratings and reviews. You can connect instantly or book in advance. You can get help from individuals or from brands you already know and trust, like Sephora, One Medical, Weight Watchers, Redbeacon (a Home Depot company), and Rosetta Stone. Once you’re in a Helpout, you can do more than just talk—you can share your computer screen, collaboratively edit a presentation, or record your Helpout. And if the experience doesn’t meet your expectations, we offer a full money back guarantee.