Is it Against Quora Policy to Request People to Do a Google/Wikipedia Search on the Subject?
Quora, as a platform for knowledge and information sharing, is designed to provide quality answers and foster a community that values insightful responses. However, a common issue that arises is whether it is acceptable to request users to perform an external search, such as a Google or Wikipedia search, to find the answer to their question. Let's explore the nuances of this policy and etiquette.
Quora Policy on External Searches
As of my last update, Quora does not have a specific policy against requesting users to perform an external search in order to find answers. However, the general consensus among Quora users and moderators is that such requests are considered rude and detrimental to the community's quality and user experience. According to Quora’s guidelines, the platform should serve as a friendly and helpful environment, not as a place to simply tell users 'go and do your own research.' This approach is consistent with Quora's mission to create meaningful and useful content.
While there is no explicit policy discouraging the practice, it is acknowledged that such requests are generally discouraged. This is because Quora thrives on providing unique and valuable insights and experiences that users wouldn't easily find elsewhere. Users who choose to ask for external searches often do so out of laziness or a lack of interest in engaging with the community. This can contribute to a degrading quality of questions and answers on the platform.
Why the Practice is Considered Rude
As pointed out, it is indeed considered rude to request someone to perform an external search. This behavior is seen as dismissive of the time and effort users put into seeking answers on Quora. If a user believes a question can easily be answered through a simple Google search, they should bypass the question entirely or answer it themselves. The appropriate thing to do in such cases is to either reintroduce or provide the basic context or answer within the Quora framework, adding value and personal touch.
Quora's Approach to Deletions and Reports
When someone answers a question and instructs the user to perform a search elsewhere, such answers are typically not considered in line with Quora's policies. Such responses are seen as lacking value and may be flagged and deleted. The platform encourages users to provide answers directly on Quora unless they believe that an external search is genuinely necessary for the question's resolution. This is why it is important to engage with the community and strive to provide uniquely valuable content.
It is also important to note that many trivial or easily answerable questions are flagged by Quora's moderation team. These questions can be deleted if they are deemed to be of low quality or irrelevant to the Quora audience. However, it is up to the individual user to report such questions if they believe they do not meet Quora's quality standards. Directing users to search elsewhere is not an appropriate way to handle these issues.
Quora's Dependance on Google
Quora heavily relies on Google for its traffic, with approximately 60% of its traffic coming from Google searches. This dependency suggests that users visit Quora specifically for its unique and detailed answers rather than a general web search. High-quality and well-reasoned answers, supported by external links, are crucial for Quora's continued relevance and value. Quora's partnership with Google is not only about traffic but also about maintaining its position as a leading source of quality information. Quora's content is indexed and highlighted by Google, recognizing the breadth, depth, and quality of its answers.
Robin Hubbard, a Quora contributor, emphasizes the importance of this partnership. Google trusts Quora with its user base because of the high quality of questions and answers provided by real people. This collaboration is beneficial for both platforms, as Quora gets more traffic, and Google enhances its user experience by highlighting high-quality content.
Conclusion
In summary, while Quora does not have a specific policy against requesting users to perform an external search, such practice is generally considered rude and may not align with the platform's policies. The ideal approach is to answer questions directly on the platform, providing unique insights that cannot be easily found elsewhere. This not only enhances the quality of the content but also promotes a more harmonious and engaging community.
For more information on how to improve your contributions on Quora and ensure your answers are valued, consider exploring the broader differences between Quora, Stack Overflow, and Yahoo Answers. Each platform has its unique strengths and audience, and understanding these differences can help you better serve the community on Quora.