Why is Yahoo so unfair?

Question

I was so excited to start asking and answering questions, and I just found out that I LOSE 5 POINTS for asking a question. THEY ASK ME TO ASK QUESTIONS! (does "your on a role" sound familiar?). WHy the heck am I losing points for the purpose of their sight?

Answer 1

Yahoo! is not being unfair to you. You are obviously blaming Yahoo! Answers unreasonably.

Yes, I know they asked you to post a question. However, they are encouraging the users to post a question so that to make this site a vibrant community. They are not forcing you to do so. If you have read the Points System, you should know that every question cost 5 points. However, after you chose an answer, you get 3 points. Your profit: -2 points. To make up your loss, just answer a few more questions. Each answer is 2 points. See, it is so easy to earn points. Keep in mind that this community is not meant for point-gaming.

Answer 2

EVERYONE loses 5 points for asking questions, but you get points also for choosing the best answer, you get 10 points if you answer a question and it is chosen as the best answer. This is probably to try and make the questions mean something to you, but as you can see if you go through the questions this doesn't always work. Just roll with it.

Answer 3

It makes perfect sense. If you do not have some sort of "cost" to asking a question then what is to stop some idiot from asking the same question in every single catagory? Also, by associating a cost and reward system Yahoo very easily weeds out the people who are serious contributors from the people who are just trying to be idiots.

Answer 4

But you get two points for every question you answer and then you get three points for every 'best answer' you choose for the questions you ask, so you eventually get your points back. Why are you stressing about it anyway? This isn't a contest. There is no grand prize. You just get points. Or lose them.

Answer 5

questions and answers are for the yahoo people to get together and find out stuff for themselves and others...asking a question cost you 5points but when you have chosen your best answer for your question.... you get 3 points... then you only loose only 2 points... to make up the points you lose... answer one question to make it back... but usually i will answer more than one .... ask less and answer more...you will be awarded more points and if your answers get choosen as best answer you get another 10 points.... overall you win not loose, furthermore this is more like a give and take sort of thing.......goodluck

Answer 6

its five little points and when you pick a best answerr you get three so answer a damn question and you have made up the difference, what is so unfair you dont get to buy a new car or prada bag with those five points and they gave you 100 points to start , how is that unfair?

Answer 7

The purpose is also to encourage people to answer... +2
To encourage you to select a best answer for your question +3
To have your answer selected as best answer +10
If no once gives an answer selected as best you get your pts back +5

Answer 8

They want you to develope a sense of ownership over points. If you lose them they want you to feel desperate to get them back. Then you will stay on their websight for longer periods of time trying to get points.

Answer 9

But you get 3 back when you choose a best answer.
Also you get points if people give your answer a thumbs up...

Answer 10

the strategy:

positive reinforcement for 'giving'
negative reinforcement for 'taking'


the implicit lesson:

don't ask questions. make your responses to questions as short and quick as possible to facilitate efficiency and minimize opportunities for reflection and introspection.

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