Do you cheat in answering questions?

Question

knowledge is power, if you're hungry for the illusion of that kind of power.

I've noticed that there are a number of individuals, who will post gobs and gobs of text from an unknown source, simply because they can not articulate an answer in their own words.

Also there are some people who think that just dropping in a link to another site that may or may not have the answer is the solution to the question.

Are these people just lazy or naive?

Why is it so difficult, to post an answer in your own words as you might interpet your sources of information. If you're right and your reply makes sense, then you may get the 10 point reward.

If you're just going to pollute with gobs of pointless text or useless links that only distract me from my question, especially if they are phony links with nothing to do at all with my question. Why even bother replying to a question. Just type yes or no and move on, if you have to.

Sometimes when I find *Links in someone's answer, a link that has absolutely nothing related to my question; for example a link to a singles dating site, a link to something disgusting like sexual exploitation of children or someones own sleazy myspace account, and sometimes a link to another forum with no references as to why I was directed there at all.

Answer 1

I think the people that are lazy or naive are the people that ask the questions that don't bother spending 2 seconds looking for the answer first. You have no idea how many times I have answered a question where I went to google, typed in 2-3 keywords and got the answer by clicking on the first link. Then I spend the rest of the day thanking the person for waisitng 2 seconds of my life. I'm sure Yahoo didnt intend for Yahoo Answers to turn into what it is now. I post useful links all the time to help to point people in the right direction (whether it be additional information or what not). Most of the time just because a person answers something on here doesn't mean they are right. There is a possibility that things may have gotten overlooked or weren't covered. I think answers still need to be verified and by providing links, could help verify and even establish credibility to the person answering question. I much rather get an answer from someone that gives me an answer and a link rather than someone who thinks they know what they are talking about and claim they are right.

Answer 2

First, let me say it's not good when people simply cut & paste from the web & they don't cite their sources. That is really low.

Second, it's bad when people copy & paste a TON of about a topic and either they don't answer the question and/or the answer is buried within the tome of info.

But, for some questions, especially ones that are scientific and fact-based, it is sometimes helpful to see the exact text/description from an expert. Personally, what I prefer is either to have a quick summary (in the own person's words) followed by a link for more info and/or some more info that is copied (as long as they didn't copy a ton of info).

Answer 3

I do agree with your statements, about people quoting gobs of information from unknown sources. You also ask if people are lazy or just naive. I have a flash for you: Most are BOTH! Really, this whole question thing on Yahoo is absolutely POINTLESS, with regard to the fact that most of the idiots here could easily look up what they need to know on the Internet (Google,wherever), but are just too lazy to do so. Also, many kids want someone to do their homework for them, and they know if they copy directly from the Internet, they might get nailed for plagiarism. If someone writes their essay for them, then they figure they are safe. If one can ask a question on Yahoo, then surely they can go do a search and find the answer to their question. Yahoo is full of Yahoos, no doubt about it!

Answer 4

I have noticed that many people only seem to answer questions to get points. I still haven't figured out why getting the points is so important. I only answer questions when I actually have something worthwhile to say. I am constantly amazed by the stupidity and meanness that comes out of people when they answer these questions. I don't think you will find the answer to your question because the ones that know the answer are just going to answer with gobs of pointless text or useless links.

Answer 5

Illusion? Knowledge is the only thing that no one can take away from you.
If you are unhappy with links that ostensibly get you nowhere, don't click on them. And if you believe that people who copy and paste things are in the least bit lazy, or just plain stupid, then don't read their responses any further.
Whoever answers your questions without smart responses are people who are obviously thinking that maybe they could be of some assistance to you, so be happy that someone might actually care about what you have to ask and say.
Then again, if you're that bothered, maybe you should be the one to move on.

Answer 6

No, I don't cheat. I too grow tired of reading volumes of the "cut & paste" genre of answers... anybody can do a search to find data. But I don't really believe that is what the intention is for this service. You either know the answer or you don't. If it's one asking for more of an opinion based on personal experience then you've either got it or not. I wish Yahoo would put a limit on the size or length of the answers. If you do feel the need for a link to support your statements then just do the link. Don't go there and copy / paste 20 pages of text and have us believe you got your PhD on the topic.

Answer 7

I like questions that are answered personally too, but I don't think putting up a link is cheating. Some people are just faster with accessing info then others. Do I think these people should get best answer credit- no. Do I think they should be made an example of in front of all of us - no.

Answer 8

The point of linking to another site is USUALLY so the person with the question gets incite on what it is they are looking for, I see nothing wrong with that. If it helps it helps. If it doesn't it doesn't. I think somebody typing "yes" or "no" is more pointless than them actually trying to help.....

Answer 9

Is it cheating to utilize any resource to formulate a reply? Is it cheating to offer sourced information or websites where the questioner can further research the topic? Is the answerer more lazy because they actually take the time to find a source and quote it, or is the questioner more lazy because she failed to conduct her own research?

Lazy vs naive? Unwilling to make a needed effort vs unknowing? I leave that answer for you to decide. As I see it, neither is necessarily correct.

Answer 10

I agree that its a shame that people can't write things in their own words. However, some people just aren't eloquent enough to be able to say what they want to say in their own words. The point of Answers is to help people with their questions or problems, even if that means getting the answer somewhere else.