My trust in those who vote on answers is gone. Would you mind if I never put another answer to a vote?

Question

I asked what I should do about my neighbors who had lost their husband and father. I saw so many good answers of the 30+ that I just wasn't sure I could trust myself to choose the best answer, so I put it to a vote. And what did I (we -- all of us on Yahoo! Answers) get for the trouble? The vote chose an answer that said to shoot the rest of the family to put them out of their misery.

So, I put it to you now -- Would you mind if I promise never to put any more of my questions to a vote?

I will start by choosing the best answer of this question after the Yahoo! timer has dinged. Earn 10 points by giving a good answer. And I certainly won't choose an answer that suggests hurting anybody or anything, and I also won't put it to a vote..

Again, I received so many good answers that I know I will pick the best answer for this moment and not necessarily 5 minutes from now. I counted no less than 15 (about 1/3) who moved me on this issue. I decided to vote for one who has returned from a learning experience with an open mind and an open heart. To the rest of you in that 1/3, I wish I could have chosen you all.

Brightpool

Answer 1

Lisa hangs her head in shame...To answer this, I am going to confess that I am guilty of not voting in the correct way for a question. I read the question, and there were two answers. to choose from.

One was a good answer, the second one a simple and straight to the point, "What he said." That struck me as so very humorous, creative, and it gave me a wonderful laugh.

I thought that should deserve at least one vote, so I voted for it never dreaming that I was the only person voting.

I was horrified when I discovered my vote was 100%, and, on the spot, made a vow to only vote for the most factual answer.

If your question had only one vote, it could be that, like meee, the voter never dreamed he/she would be casting the deciding vote....or your voter was a punk kid and wanted to mess up your day.

The questions you feel strongly about--those you should choose yourself, and not trust the judgment of those who just surf on in looking for points, or to cause havoc.

The others are your judgment call. Sometimes it is quite fascinating to find out how people will vote.

Take care, and regardless of how you decide to figger out the Best Answer, keep asking those questions :)

Answer 2

Britghtpool:

Let me say first that you seem to be a good fellow. I think you learned a lesson here, and that is when you leave your responsibility to others, something usually falls through the cracks.

I have the same issue, but from the answerer's point of view. I am addressing my remarks to you, not the "community" whatever that means, and I generally put some effort into the answer. As often as not, the asker simply ignores the task of selection and casts the selection process to people who have no vested interest in the outcome; giving a quick scan and a vote, with little thought going into the process.

No fault to Yahoo Answers, the community vote is a fail safe mechanism. The intent is for the asker to select the proper answer for their specific needs. Perhaps if the points penalty were a bit more severe for a non-selection, more people would step up to the plate.

Thanks for taking the time to address this issue. Who knows? You might have changed a mind or two here.

Answer 3

I don't mind. That's precisely why I never allow users to vote on my questions. Instead, I try to weigh all the answers based on how well they answered my question and how detailed (and relevant!) the answer is. If available, and it's a toss-up, I look at the ratings (thumbs up/down) the answers got from other users.

Sorry your question's "Best Answer" was chosen by some punk with a bunch of accounts. I think Yahoo should give askers an option to reject such an answer when you put a question to the vote. They should also allow the asker to choose a tie breaker.

Answer 4

That's terrible that people voted for that answer! I don't blame you for not wanting to put out another question to a vote, but keep in mind that sometimes people will surprise you and actually vote for an informative, helpful answer.

Sometimes when I look at resolved questions, the voted answer was truly the most deserving. But other times---as you found out--- people try to be funny by choosing the most horrible answer.

Answer 5

when you ask a question here....you get some people that really care about a good answer, and some that are just here to goof. It is up to you to select the right answer that in your heart can help you the best.. I did not see the original question, however it sounds like you should (if you are close) go over to your neighbors, offer as much help as you can...see that they have their lawn cared for, see if help is needed managing finances, and arrange for help in that department.....It is a very sad thing. Pray with them if there is a religious thing going on. Offer to or have people arrange to bring in food at various intervals.....do what you feel you should. I wish your sadness will heal in a positive way, obviously they were friends of yours also....so you have experienced a loss....it takes a long time.....stay close to the family and help where you can.

Answer 6

i don't think anybody cares whether or not you put any question to a vote ever again. when you put an answer to vote you're asking for our (other yahoo participants) opinion and/or vote. no matter what they voted for. you cant have expectations for which answer will be the best suited to win. because you're setting yourself up for a possible let down. besides its stupid to trust millions of people you don't even know to decide what YOU should do for YOUR neighbors. me personally, i send my condolences to your neighbors and their family but others might not care. you were cool enough to post the question in the first place. so use that same kindheartedness and compassion to find the right answer to your question. you'll pick the right one.

Answer 7

I usually think the better "Best Answer" is chosen by the asker. That person is genuinely interested in the responses and probably reads every one of the answers. I think a lot of people tire of reading the answers and picks the first "good" answer as the "best" answer (when the actual "Best" answer is further down or on page two).

So, no it wouldn't bother me if you quit putting your questions up for vote.
Whatever tricks your trigger.
P.S. That would have upset me, too. You obviously were looking for some good advice.

Answer 8

I find that the answers that I have provided that are chosen as best answer mean more when they are chosen by the asker - it tells me that I have helped them. When it is left to a vote, it kindof says to me that my answer wasn't appreciated, since people on here use Yahoo!Answers as a form of entertainment, rather than a forum for helping people.
So to answer your question....I think it's a great idea not to put your question to a vote - not only does it make your answerer feel good, but you can be sure that you reward the person who gives the most help.

Answer 9

So you are considering giving up?

Isn't the best course in life to lead by example?

Yep, there are some real morons on here and you probably were aware of that long before they hurt your feelings on your legitimate and sensitive question. But, if you run, it's going to come back to you and haunt you in another way in your life unless you just accept that you have to take the good with the bad.

And there is plenty of good on here in addition to the bad. So my advice is if you feel 20 percent of honest, legitimate heartfelt answers to 80 percent of hogwash is enough to keep you going then stick with it. Make friends with that 20 percent and be stronger as a result.

If you give up when people hurt your feelings you let them win more than you know. Stay focused on the positive.

Answer 10

Please don't leave it to a vote anymore. I made the same mistake once and ugh... at the immaturity of it all. Plus, it's bonus for you because you earn back 3 of the 5 points you lost asking the question when you choose a best answer. At the same time, giving someone more deserving the 10 points. :)