Who chooses 'real' answers?

Question

I've noticed, especially on many of the resolved questions, that at times the answers seem to be chosen only by what the person WANTS to hear, and not by the 'real truth' or the possible reality in each situation. Or they choose the fluffiest, kindest, and most optimistic answer, even if it's either fantasy, or hell even wrong. Why live in denial? Why not understand and know reality as to CHANGE it, rather than tolerate it? Not all are like this, but it seems all the answers are solely based on what they WANT and LIKE to hear rather than the blunt, impetuous truth. YOUR thoughts?

Answer 1

People don't ask questions to be informed, they ask questions to be validated. It's human nature.

Answer 2

I fall in your description when i wait after teh 4 hours are up. I wonder if this system should change. I want the truth too. It'll hurt but it's so much better than to live in fantasy land. Maybe there should be a two point system where there is a judge panel where a jury, not other yahoo members, should judge the answer. IF they want to do it in the first place... :(

This is a good question. Good on you! well they have something that does what you say. If the person who chose the question does not choose a best answer, the community does it by voting for the best answer. It's still crude but effective. however, I want the truth as much as anyone else here. Some resolved questions are really biased and sometimes racist. THe immigraiton section... if there is a resolved question, you will find it that it's a racist view that is chosen. The person chose it so we have to respect their view no matter how conflicting it is.

"progress is not always moving forward" some guy

Answer 3

There are also those who are swayed by a 'pretty' icon and a racy comment. One guy asked where he could get 'one of those things that stops the bleeding after you cut yourself shaving?' I told him it was called a styptic pencil and he can get it at any drug store or shaving section- there were others with similar answers- but the one he picked as best was some chick that said he could go over to her house and use hers! I'd be willing to put money on 1) that THAT never happened and 2) he used the valid info he was given regardless of cheating true answer givers out of ten points! I see exactly where you're coming from and you're right.... like a line in a Simon and Garfunkel song 'The Boxer' goes, "Still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest." So, I guess it just boils down to what my dad always told me as a kid-- life isn't fair.
Have a great day!!!

Answer 4

Well, if you ask a question you may think that you know the answer so if someone replies with what you're thinking, you'll tend to pick that answer. It doesn't matter if it's right or wrong because if it can give the asker a glimmer of hope, then it's worth it. I think that the majority of people choose the answers that are better than the rest but there will be some people who pick what they want to hear. It's their decision based on free will.

Answer 5

Thank you Dennis,,, but I suggest take a breath,,,no offense.

If you were to look into my answers you might find that some are irreverent, but for the most part valid.

Consider that this forum might be a place for SOME to seek and gain attention, not specifically to get valid info,,,

I often answer in decent detail and check after the fact, occasionally finding my answer denied for a one word answer, or something not strictly related to the Q,,,but in truth, this is a game area, a time killer, a place to visit, that's relatively safe, even for the very young who come here.

If content were more strictly monitored the SITE would certainly struggle to exist, and I'd find other ways of expending time.

TRUTH,,,BTW,,, is a personal thing. FACT might not always be what is offered here, and everyones TRUTH is different.

Steven Wolf

Answer 6

To get points. People are teaming up with each other, or creating multiple yahoo accounts, then posting questions and choosing their own, or their friends answers as the best answer. That way they can pervert the idea behind the board and gain whatever is the "thank you" from Yahoo. Since Yahoo chooses not to moderate the board at all, unless something is blatantly in violation, I would expect to see this escalate, not diminish.

Answer 7

It's basic human nature. The best examples of this are the questions like "rate this poem I wrote." We all want to believe that we're better than we are; the only segment of the population with a reliably accurate self-image is comprised of the clinically depressed. It seems really backwards and counterintuitive, but knowing the truth about yourself is actually unhealthy.

Answer 8

I agree with you.
But the reason some questions are posted is because the person is looking for a way to justify their situation, not necessarily the answer to change it. .

Answer 9

Taking the following as one of many definitions of philosophy, what is the real truth.

Philosophy can be distinguished from empirical science and religion. The Penguin Encyclopedia ([citation needed]) says that philosophy differs from science in that its questions cannot be answered empirically, i.e. by observation or experiment, and from religion, in that its purpose is entirely intellectual, and allows no place for faith or revelation. MTP says philosophy does not try to answer questions by appeal to revelation, myth or religious knowledge of any kind, but uses reason, "without reference to sensible observation and experiments". By contrast, Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy states that "the late 20th-century... prefers to see philosophical reflection as continuous with the best practice of any field of intellectual enquiry."

I take it that people chose the answer which most closely reflects there philosophy , their truth. I like to think that I evaluate answers to my questions, but without access to my thought processes you wouldn't know would you?

Answer 10

I will agree with October they want to agree with what they believe and when someone else agrees with them that is what they are going with.

Why did you ask this question ?? You are going to give up the best answer for someone that you agree with correct ?? You have already answered your own question and could have saved yourself the 5 points.

Answer 11

Simple. When you ask the Q, you get to pick the A, using whatever standards you choose. Relax.