Why Might Quora Remove an Answer with a Link and How to Avoid This

As a community-driven platform, Quora operates with specific policies designed to ensure the quality and usability of its content. One of the key policies relates to the types of answers that are accepted and those that are removed. Specifically, Quora's policy stipulates that 'the gist of the answer should be able to be understood without having to leave Quora to access an external website.' This article will explore the reasons behind the removal of link-only answers and provide guidance on how to craft effective answers that adhere to Quora's policies.

Understanding Quora's Answer Policies

Quora was created to function as a comprehensive knowledge database, where users contribute their expertise to answer questions. The platform’s mission is to share and foster knowledge. However, if an answer primarily consists of a link to another source, it fails to meet Quora’s objectives, as it does not provide a concise and informative summary for users. This policy is in place to ensure that the information is accessible and understandable even if users choose not to follow the provided link.

Reasons for the Removal of Link-Only Answers

There are several reasons why Quora may remove an answer that is primarily a link:

Links Don't Last Forever: URLs can become invalid over time, leading to a 404 error. This can render the answer obsolete and unhelpful to readers. Increased Clicks and Bounces: Users typically expect a complete answer on Quora. If they have to navigate to another site, it can result in higher bounce rates and a poorer user experience. Quality Assurance: Quora places a high value on the quality and depth of information provided. A link-only answer is less likely to meet this standard.

For these reasons, Quora's policy encourages providing a summary of the information found in the external link. This allows readers to understand the key points without leaving the platform, which enhances the overall user experience and adherence to Quora's mission.

How to Provide Effective Answers on Quora

To avoid having your answer removed, you should aim to provide a full and informative response. Here are some best practices:

Include a Summary: Always summarize the key points of the information found in the external link. This ensures that the answer is self-contained and still useful even if the link becomes broken. Give Context and Relevance: Explain why the provided link is relevant to the question and how it addresses the query. This adds value and context to your answer. Use Quora’s Formatting Tools: Make use of Headers, Lists, and Bold Text to make your answer more readable and organized. This improves the reader's experience and helps emphasize important points. Add Personal Insight: Whenever possible, include your own analysis or perspective on the topic. This adds depth and makes your answer more valuable.

For example, if an answer to a question about gold is mostly a link to a CRC Handbook, it might be better to summarize, "Gold is a precious metal known for its lustrous yellow color and high resistance to corrosion. It is often used in jewelry and electronic devices. For more detailed information, please refer to [this link]."

What to Do if Your Answer is Removed

If you receive a notification from Quora stating that your answer has been removed, do not be discouraged. It is a common practice, and many contributors encounter it. Here are steps to follow:

Read the Notification: Make sure to read the feedback provided by Quora. It often suggests how you can improve your answer and make it more suitable for the platform. Revise Your Answer: Incorporate the feedback into your answer and resubmit it. Quora encourages contributions and offers chances to improve your content. Check Your Notifications: If you did not receive an email, check your notifications within Quora for further instructions.

Remember, the ultimate goal of Quora is to provide comprehensive and useful information. Your contributions play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By adhering to the platform’s guidelines and providing quality, self-contained answers, you can help make Quora a valuable resource for users around the world.