Do you also notice this pattern in the temporal dynamics of answers to your question?

Question

Essentially, there are two waves:

First, everyone chimes in and gives their 2 cents. Mostly talking out of their behinds, or saying: "So what", "no", "of course" or things like that.

Then there is silence for a couple of hours.

Finally, there is a second wave of experts who stick to particular categories. They tend to give valuable answers over the course of a couple of days.

Of course, it depends on the question. For example, if it is an opinion question or a survey question, there typically is no second wave.

Answer 1

second wave coming through. haha. Yes, I have also noticed this. Sometimes I answer a questions after it's been posted for awhile because I see no one else has responded or the first wavers weren't helpful. Overall, I try to be as helpful as I can.

Answer 2

Some of the patterns you mention seem to apply.

I think that in Polls & Surveys it's often yes/no questions and you get quick answers. Not to mention it's a place to hang out for quick points, it seems... often they are easy questions.

I do notice that there's the initial flurry of answers w/a new question (and, yes, many answers are 'from the behind' in my experience).

It also depends upon time of day... (Be on here at 2 am on a weekday, and the answers are perhaps lighter than usual).

It depends upon volume too... your question can get buried so fast in those looking for new questions to answer (quickly) that it's off the lists and unanswered before many people answer.

After all, how many times do you see the same question asked over-and-over-and-over again? Some people don't seem to research the answer first or pay attention to the little answers under your question before you ask it... (that said, sometimes answering the same question again is fun, or at least a quick 2 points).

BTW, I like the "temporal dynamics" label; that's a lot of what it is.

Answer 3

Yes, this is true; however there is also a real-time deviation in questions from time of day... they get a little more shady late at night. I think the first is due to the fact that people see the question right away if they are looking at the newest questions. So those are the first wave of answerers. These are typically spontaneous answerers plus your random expert who happened to see your question.

Answer 4

i did notice that. the answers get longer, too. speaking personally, i think i sometimes choose those questions to answer after i have read all of the other answers and they are so stupid i can't stand it. i have answered a couple this evening that i just felt like the person needed a proper answer and either got smart-*** answers, or the people gave terrible advice about something they obviously knew nothing about. if i read and see that the answers really answer the question, i usually don't chime in.

Answer 5

I haven't experienced my answers that way, rather there are particular times of day that I get more fun people and answers than others. I asked a few questions in the last couple of hours that didn't get very many answers, but I know that if I'd asked them twelve hours ago (early-late afternoon my time), I would have gotten more answers in quality and quantity.

Answer 6

i agree a hundred percent i noticed that as well and cant stand people who just want there two point it kinda defeats the purpose of being on here if your not going to truly answer a question

Answer 7

Well which is it, you change your mind as quickly as you change questions. JK, I'm tired and irritable and mad at the world tonight. Good night.

Answer 8

if i fell that i can help an any way i do, or i just won't answer.

Answer 9

"temporal dynamics" well done :)