How come when the rich and famous, Dr. Stephen Hawking Or Al Gore ask question,there are thousands of answers?

Question

When the rif-raf/normal ask the same question, it does not get the same responce, isn't it hypocritical of us? It's not that I am against them but want to know how we perceive this.

Answer 1

GLOBAL WARMING/THE ENVIRONMENT IN GENERAL

Any and I mean any environmental cause or approach must be grassroots in nature. Having PhD's talk about global warming and having those representing industry interests debunk these present theories is a high level and almost an entirely futile effort. Don't get me wrong, it is great that someone with Al Gore's connections and exposure is getting the word out. However, people are people they want to see results.

Yes, the expression is now trite but still true, "Thing Globally, Act Locally". Watching the sky over a city, town or even a more rural area become darkened by smog has local impact, people take note and actually see A PROBLEM. A problem that can measured in terms of air quality or perhaps an AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX like the one that the provincial government in Ontario, Canada is in the process of implementing. You can measure results (however small) in terms of air quality and the affect it has on the health care system (those with breathing problems, doctor's visits, etc). It certainly speaks to the advantage of a UNIVERSAL health care system (however, actually implemented) as it actually makes sense to improve the environment as it keeps people healthy (a humanitarian cause) and when health care it publicly funded it affects the public coffers when people become ill therefore it even makes better financial sense to keep the environment a top priority.

Plus any approach must be entire with a complete overall plan (the big picture). Including recycling initiatives, energy solutions (alternatives/renewables can now present a real potential financial threat to the big oil companies and even power companies...), government involvement at all levels, public transit, greener vehicles in general (Hybrid, Hydrogen, Conventional electric, bio-diesel, ethanol), conservation in all energy arenas, ETC!

Economic viability is the real sell as many of these solutions are just that economically sensible (ensuring we look at the entire picture). Yes as more people use solar, wind and other renewable energy sources the cheaper the technology will get. Two of the newest billionaires have earned a large portion through renewables Solar (India I believe) and Wind (China I believe). Yes in many ways developing nations and economies will be the first and early adopters of such renewable tech as they are just building much of their infrastructure.

So what do we all need to do? GET INVOLVED ! Contact your local government about improving your recycling program, contact provincial/state/federal government about the adopting of these new technologies (renewables such as solar/wind), buy gas with ethanol in it and demand it, use and demand bio diesel, buy products with less packaging and demand manufacturers to reduce packaging and to offer a price break as a result. More ECONOMIC VIABILITY! After all energy diversity just like economic diversity is the safest and best bet for good long term results and return on investment.

Joe...


KEEP IT UP MR. GORE THE POLAR BEARS NEED YOU FIRST **GRIN**.

Answer 2

I'm not sure what you mean. Have you asked questions that are worthwhile?

When scientists or policy makers pose questions they are doing it to learn more so they can construct better theoretical models, or propose useful legislation.
People pay attention to their questions and answers because they've spent a lifetime working in their fields, and have demonstrated that they will make use of the answers.

If you or I ask questions, for personal curiosity, someone may take the time to answer, but it's not a priority. We don't make decisions that affect others, and we are not working on scientific theories or ideas that may benefit humanity. We should feel lucky when a knowledgeable person takes the time to respond to our curiosity.

Many questions you or I might ask could actually be answered just by doing a little personal research, on the web or at a library.

If you think you have ideas that may be valuable to the rest of the world, then I encourage you to work hard and study; then share your knowledge with others so that working together we may improve our lives.

But if busy people don't stop what they're doing to answer a question you could easily have found for yourself, you should not take offense.

I hope you understand what I am saying.

Answer 3

Because a lot of the questions (not all) asked by the "riff-raff" posters generally are not interesting enough to warrant that kind of response. How many times do you see questions like "What is penis?" posted here? After awhile these questions get lame and tired.

Also, how many opportunities do you get to reply to a Stephen Hawking question? I think it's great.

Answer 4

Could be hypocritical.
Or could simply be people like the idea of getting the attention of a celebrity posting a question and being able to answer it. There's a sense of egotism in being able to answer for a celebrity's query.

Don't worry too much about it.
There are always good and bad apples in an apple farm.

Answer 5

Ordinary people deals and dwelts with ordinary issues and things unlike the rich and famous which touches many.

Answer 6

One word: celebrity. The same reason we watch TV will well-paid actors, or shun scab football, or generally don't read biographies of average people.

Answer 7

because they got the featured questions and yahoo said something about a prize...

Answer 8

because they are featured questions? and always show up at the top of the screen? and you can win prizes?

maybe

Answer 9

i don't think people do that... but wait sorry can't continue to answer this Brad Pitt just asked a q, i'm off to answer that:))

Answer 10

because the unimportant people want a share of their limelight.