If it can be crafted with no cooldown, and receives a benefit from a specialization, then you need a specialist! Unfortunately, the only profession which falls into this category is Alchemy. <insert Blizzard hatemail here>

Edit: As of 3.3.3, Blizzard has done to Tailoring what they did to Alchemy. Now, if you want cloth, you MUST go to a specialist.

Here are some items that I consider useful, and can be crafted by Alchemists:

Transmutation master:

• Earthsiege diamond


• Skyflare diamond


• Titanium bar

Potion Master: (for details check out Helliott's Potion Mastery post earlier in this forum)

• [Potion of Speed]


• [Potion of Wild Magic]


• [Indestructible Potion]


• [Runic Mana Potion]

Elixir Master:

• [Flask of Stoneblood]


• [Flask of the Frost Wyrm]


• [Flask of Pure Mojo]


• [Flask of Endless Rage]

If it invokes a cooldown, then there's no point in seeking out a specialist, because every specialist with half a brain is already using his/her cooldown every time it's up. Otoh, there's nothing wrong with taking advantage of the people with less than half a brain.

This section includes things like the following:
[Titansteel Bar] - no more c/d in 3.3.3
[Moonshroud] ... and spellweave and ebonweave - no more c/d in 3.3.3
[Cardinal Ruby] ... and every other epic gem

Finally, there are things that don't require a cooldown but also don't have any benefit from specialization. Blacksmithing, Leatherworking, Tailoring, Enchanting, Jewelcrafting, Inscribing, Engineering, all have craftables, whether consumable or not.

Now, the majority of our guildies have been raised in a culture that values self-reliance, and disdains making oneself a burden to others. I wouldn't ask someone for their titansteel cooldown, since that's the same as asking for gold. However, it's also basic human nature to want to help one another. These are all good things, but sometimes it's confusing, makes us feel conflicted. How can we help each other if no one ever wants to ask for help? But isn't it more helpful to teach someone to fish than to give a fish? And, the line between need and greed is very fuzzy.

In conclusion, it's all good. Should anyone want some non-cooldown'd goods, Pim is a transmutation master and Helliott is a Potion master. Should anyone want some cooldown'd goods, I'm one of those people with a bunch of professions on a bunch of alts. I'm happy to trade the finished product for mats.

edit for 3.3.3: Helliott is a Moonshroud specialist, and Pims is an Ebonweave specialist