Do People Who Post Questions Actually Respond to Answers on Quora?
Quora, the global knowledge-sharing platform, has seen its fair share of interesting discussions, and one of the most frequently debated topics is the responsiveness of users who post questions. Many wonder whether those who ask questions engage with the answers provided.
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Views on Questioners' Engagement
Opinions on this matter vary widely. Some feel that question-askers rarely, if ever, respond to the answers provided to their queries, while others argue that those who seek answers are indeed attentive and often engage with the responses.
Example 1:
One user, who has answered over 15,000 questions in the past three years, remarks, "Ive answered about 15,000 questions in the last three years. I guess I missed yours." This statement suggests that users who post questions tend not to seek out the answers that have been provided.
Example 2:
Contrary to this view, another individual asserts, "Yes, people do respond, depending on the question. That may be easily found and given, so people are actually very attentive to your questions." This perspective indicates that the level of engagement can depend on the quality and relevance of the questions.
Evolution of Quora's Reward System
The way users engage on Quora has changed over time. In the past, users who received upvotes for their contributions found themselves rewarded for their efforts. However, this has now shifted.
Example 3:
User feedback suggests, "I upvote anybody who answers my questions to reward them for actually taking the time, even if it's a one sentence answer. That's what it's come to in Quora." Users are now primarily motivated by the act of receiving upvotes rather than interaction with the content.
The Rare Occurrence of Responses
Generally, users do not expect responses to their questions. In fact, there are several instances where users do not even bother to answer certain questions.
Example 4:
One user claims, "Seldom do I get a response when I post an answer to a question. I don’t care I’m posting an answer for the general public more than for the specific OP." This further underscores the lack of engagement from question-askers.
Example 5:
However, expert opinion suggests that "If it’s a question in earnest, you may get a Thank You or even a detailed reply. If the question is from the QPP (Quality Post Program) don’t even bother to answer. It’s just a bot fishing for clicks rather than actual useful information." This highlights the dichotomy between genuine and spam questions on the platform.
Expert's Sardonic Take
Some experts are more blunt in their assessment of user behavior. They say, "If it’s a question in earnest, you may get a Thank You or even a detailed reply. If the question is from the QPP (Quality Post Program) don’t even bother to answer. It’s just a bot fishing for clicks rather than actual useful information."
In a sardonic tone, one user asserts, "If it’s a question in earnest, you may get a Thank You or even a detailed reply. If the question is from the QPP (Quality Post Program) don’t even bother to answer. It’s just a bot fishing for clicks rather than actual useful information. " This statement encapsulates the frustration many feel with the platform's quality and user engagement.
Conclusion
The engagement of users who post questions on Quora remains a topic of debate. While some do respond and engage with answers, others do not. The platform has evolved, and the motivations for participation have shifted from community interaction to rewards and recognition.
Understanding the dynamics of engagement on Quora can help users formulate their posts to maximize their chances of receiving the information they seek and engaging with interested parties.