When I started answering questions on here, I felt that I should always give the REASONS why I made the statement. The whys and wherefores that brought me to my conclusion.
If in the future, I gave an answer and just said "references available," would that work?
Would those of you who really wanted to know what those references were, would you ask for them by email?
Is it better to give short answers with references available than long ones?
2006-08-28 05:10:49 · 23 answers · asked by grammy_of_twins_plus two 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
nswblu - good idea - I always wondered what you meant by that @
2006-08-28 05:19:06 · update #1
The only answers that I have cut and pasted were from dictionaries - EVERY other answer was of my own head/heart - takes a lot of time to type what I did LOLOLOL
2006-08-28 05:20:47 · update #2
sunpekes - same here - but I try to make people think, without knowing what I have chosen. I use that website myself :)
2006-08-28 05:33:59 · update #3
Excellent question. I think that your answer should be self-contained, in the sense of containing the entire argument that you're putting forward. The references should be just support, and should not replace any of the argument. I would certainly not look up a reference if the answer itself were just something like "I say 'yes', and my reference explains why".
In short, I think that the statement you begin with here is correct: you should always give the reasons for your statement.
2006-08-28 05:19:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would think it all depends upon the question itself.
If you can answer it with no problem and no links/references without writing a novel (lol), then do that.
If one is about to verge on being long-winded, you might consider a link/reference in the "source" section and leave it up to the asker to go there, but provide some insight in your answer.
There are pro's and con's to both ways and some people want the links instead and some don't want to be bothered with the extra step involved to get their question answered that way. Just be careful to attempt the answer somewhat, even if you do provide a link.
2006-08-28 12:23:34 · answer #2 · answered by Patti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the question.
If the person is asking something dumb like "What's your favorite color?" Then it's not really nessecary to go into an in-depth explanation of what color you picked and the physics/story behind it.
However if someone is asking something very open like "Do you believe in God?", then just saying yes or no would leave them without any other information or spiritual guidance that they were most likely looking for. At that point it's acceptable to go into your explanation.
2006-08-28 12:18:25 · answer #3 · answered by zmes_matt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I THINK SHORT ANSWERS, when possible are best, with references for proof only.
I use our web based answers when possible, but occasionally make a mistake. Getting old is hard to deal with when it comes to memory.
My favorite website is below, it is not only a religious site, but very informative on other subjects as well. Take the time to browse! Look for our "AWAKE!" Magazines..........
2006-08-28 12:23:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Short answers with links or book/article details are best, IMHO. Nobody reads the long answers anyway. And yes, if I really wanted to go to the source, I'd get in touch.
2006-08-28 12:13:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
short straight answers. Cut and paste 3 pages of information is kind of a drag to read through.
2006-08-28 12:17:08 · answer #6 · answered by ♠♣♥Rogue♣♥♠ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's better to give short answers that are all your own ideas and don't require people to go to other web sites or rely on other people's ideas.
2006-08-28 12:13:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if i start reading something with bible quotes or wikipedia entries i skip it
if i start reading hi how are you here is what i think/believe, and i base it on x, y, z, example - i believe adam and eve got temporary forgiveness from god as seen in genesis 3:21 - have a nice day,
the person can either look it up or not
wiki pedia entries i skip if i wanted to know what wikipedia said id ask wikipedia
2006-08-28 12:28:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey Grammy :-)
Don't worry this way! :-)
Go with the flow - ask/answer the way you wish.
Don't pay too much attention to criticizing answers/questions.
I am aware I am just watching animated piwels on a monitor.
I don't feel I have to justify myself.
Many times I have deleted questions I asked, because I feel they were awkward, and so on.
GO WITH THE FLOW.
2006-08-28 12:16:07 · answer #9 · answered by Axel ∇ 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If we needed more information to answer the question we would state it as I have numerous times in the past!@
2006-08-28 12:17:00 · answer #10 · answered by nswblue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋