Should someone give their credentials in the source when offering a critique or editing?

Hmmm- good question. I think that, if you have the credentials, you should post them- I know that when someone answers any of my questions- I always wonder "what makes you know?" It doesn't mean that the credentials are always accurate- but it's a start!

I think by-- 'giving their credentials' --a person who edits or critiques someone's writing on this site should perhaps go a step beyond what you write in the source for yourself when you answer a writing question: 'published author.'

If my work was up here for edit or critique, I'd want to know if the published author was published professionally --in other words if they made any money from it, since some people pay out money to be published-- and even if the person had any degrees or real experience in the particular field the asker may mention, like literature or editing... especially, definitely, editing.

How about you?

Absolutely, too many people on sites such as these give their opinions and unfortunately everyone has one. Its hard to accept criticism from someone when they do not source there creditably. You never know it could just becoming from someone who has no interest in your actual question/work/ideas and just wants more points or to merely sound off.

As a designer, I also source when i critique. It lets the asker know that I know what I'm talking about; that I made an education evaluation and not just making it up to receive "best answer".

Fascinating point. I assume that this person you speak of is unknown, that you have never communicated--or, at least, have never communicated personally.

I agree with what you say. If an editor in trying to market his or her self, as an editor--especially a freelance editor--is often doing, it is crucial that the editor list/mention any and all background he or she has regarding their work, any applicaple credentials, such as newspaper clippings, past gigs, etc. That you put "published author" as a means of expressing your apparant ability to critique and supplement others' work is perfectly acceptable.