Why do people answer questions with the same response someone has already given?

Question

I was going through some of the big questions asked and there will be 4000 answers all saying the same ignorant thing. Wouldn't it be more prudent to read the answers others have given before answering yourself? Wouldn't it also make it easier to find a true answer among the nonsense and answer spamming?

Answer 1

people are followers, and everybody wants to be a part of something big, even if it means just conforming to the same opinion of others, or flat out lying through your teeth. I haven't taken the time to look at the big questions yet, maybe I should. We're all on her for a reason, well most of us are just bored and need a way to pass the time. Sad part is, even though we can't be seen some people are still scared to speak their minds, or put a little thought into what they are saying. Making any sense? haha man I need to get out of this office soon, German summers and no a/c it's doing strange things to my mind! :)

Answer 2

To be honest, I myself only skim the answers... and I'm a fast reader, much faster than many people I've met. Some people can't skim either -- they have to read word for word.

So the more answers there are already, the longer it would take to read them all. They would barely get through any questions, if they had to read and understand all the current answers.

And most people just want to contribute their "two cents" -- whether or not someone else has had the same idea.

For many people, it's as much about personal contribution and self-expression as much as it is in about answering questions.

For me: If I see something similar or my answer is already there and understandable, then I usually won't waste time answering the question.

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Here's another idea -- why do people keep asking the same questions, if someone else just answered it sufficiently yesterday? I find myself having to create little "stock answers" that I can then tailor to someone's question, so as to not having to keep rewriting the same thing over and over.

Answer 3

Some people answer just to get their points.
Sometimes they are repeating what someone else said to give emphasis. If one answers, maybe it is true. If twenty people say the same thing, it is more likely true.
Many times people read a new question, and start to answer it. It takes a minute or two to type your answer and spell check. By the time it is posted 20 others have already responded. That happens to me a lot.

Answer 4

At times when I've answered a question with a 'No answers yet' - let's say it's a riddle and the answer is 2. I immediately write 2 and submit, and do you know what, there's about 10 others in front of me with the same answer. Makes me feel like I've been cheated.
So, please don't jump to conclusion that people are ignorant.....
It may be in your best interest to find out how the timing on Yahoo! answers work, then things may be clearer to you.

Answer 5

well its seem when some one is answering and evidently answers will be similar, have you never heard great minds think alike fools differ,and people those that give advise would give advise what they think best for the situation and every one knows what is right for the situation those that dont know answer because they clicked on the question ,so some answer is expected
they say all road lead to rome all answer eventually have the same basic truth, if you call answers ignorant why dont you see some of the questions asked are ignorant but this is an interesting site if your not happy just log of and few will log on

Answer 6

it would make sense. but see a lot of people on here just want the points they dont care if they are giving the same answer. some people have the same thing on there mind. also it all depends on the type of question being asked. I know that a lot of people need to think outside of the obvious answers to get better ones

Answer 7

Part of it is that if you get on the question quick, you may see no answers or one answer (like I did with your question). By the time I click submit, other people may have put this answer in, but it wasn't on the page yet. Also, this is a place to give your opinion, so if someone asks a question, they are going to get the opinion of who ever answers, no matter if it is the same as someone else's opinion.

Answer 8

During the first minutes of the question be asked, folks give answers, and they won't be posted, for the 2nd person to even see it before they post.

Besides, sometimes when more than 1 person answers the same, it can tend to give more weight to that answer.

Folks are interested in ANSWERING the question. They shouldn't be interested in the mere fact that you'd have to read the same answer twice.

Answer 9

I'm happy and thankful when someone takes the time to answer my questions, and I don't expect them to bother reading the other answers. I know I certainly don't have the time to wade through 4000 answers of a question I didn't ask.

Answer 10

Well actually when a question is first posted, it may appear like you are writing the first answer, while that isnt the case and somebody will hit the post button before you do. But when its not an old one, then i have no idea. I agree with you on the stupidity in that case.