What do you consider most when you answer a question?

Question

I personally think that both questioning and answering is an important activity. It is important for me personally, and is even more so for the person whose question I choose to answer. A few words from my side, I think, can make a great difference; they might trigger a sequence of certain events in someone’s life. Answering a question affects me personally because it brings things at the top of my mind. They then resound with a high pitch as I ponder about the issue and wonder - who is the person behind the question? It becomes even more forceful when I question myself - I feel like changing inside.

I also feel that this is a great fun, and a good experience of learning. It is free, and there is freedom in it!! When I answer a question I pay special attention to the question, I try to get closest to the spirit of the question. What do you think? What do you do? And how do you do this?

Answer 1

I ask myself what kind of question and asker it is.

Why did this person post this question? Is it someone looking for information that they do not know? Is the person looking for validation or self justification of himself or his beliefs? How old is this person? Is it just a dopey kid trying to be cool? Is it simply looking for different opinions? Is this a joke? Is this serious or tongue-in-cheek? Is this person really this stupid? Is he angry, bigoted, will he be able to distinguish a serious answer from a joke or sarcasm? Would a wise-crack hurt this person's feelings or does he deserve to be insulted right back? It seems just as important to know who and what you're answering as well as actually having a good answer.

It's usually a good idea to think about how you appear in public here in this world of strangers and how your answer will affect others if you want to be taken seriously, both in asking and in answering.

Answer 2

I look at the question first, its wording, does the person appear to be in genuine need of an information or else is the person asking a fun question, looking for a fun answer. You get to know some people in Y/A, not personally but through their questions and answers and i always try to give the best asnwer i can, not for the 10 points (Although it's nice when it happens) But to help the person asking. Yes you do wonder who the person is at times, and with avatars it's very hard to imagine who they are but no matter who they are/are not, many people have a general query and it's nice to give them the best answer we can. I've been most gratified to receive messages from people saying thank you for answering. And when they told me that, whatever i had suggested had worked, then it made me feel real good! Really happy that i could help.

Answer 3

A serious question deserves a good, considered response. Some questions are vexatious, others are childish and flippant, others ask questions, but have already decided what the answers are. They then proceed to lecture their respondants. Other questions are sometimes presented as a lecture, or a self indulgent monologue. Some also use foul language, and some seem to reproduce the latest populist opinions spouted by the lefty/liberal media.

But used responsibly, then I agree that it is a good thing.

Answer 4

First I try to decide if it is something that I feel comfortable answering. If I've not been through something similar or don't know much about the subject then I won't answer. I also try to think of all the possible answers I could give. Then I try to make sure I'm as polite as possible. I've always felt rudeness accomplishes nothing.

Answer 5

Thank you for so eloquently expressing what goes on in the heart of mind of most people who desire to grow and learn.

I am changed by this question right here in some ways.

VERY WELL SAID DEAR.

The change began in the first question I answered of yours and then began to follow your questions because it makes me remember the answers that are in my mind but needed to come forward. I needed reminding. Therefore your questions inspired me to remember things that God had shared with me many times over. So thank you dear one for sparking a flame. I pray God blesses and teaches all who read these questions.

Answer 6

I also look for questions that are similar to my interests, where I have experience or knowledge and where I could maybe help some one. Sometimes, I just answer some for fun.

Answer 7

I like to answer questions that mean something to me, where I am fairly confident of my answer, but not afriad to take criticism or correction if I'm wrong. I like to answer ones that are serious and well written, and that have relevance

Answer 8

i like to anwer questions that i trhink i have some knowledge in.
also i like to have a bit of fun too.
you have a great philosphy i like it

Answer 9

Well to be honest , i answer how i see it,, and mainly what i would do myself in certain situations.. and what i think..

Answer 10

it should be a corrrect, releated & useful one