How can we be more supportive and productive in our Q and A on yahoo?

Question

Do you have any little things that you do when answering questions on here that help to improve the quality of the site?

Are there some things that you wish we would all start to do?

How do you rise to the challenge instead of "sinking to new lows"?

Answer 1

we can start really answering questions and not just yes or no or i dont know....and be nice, take questions seriously and just ignore questions that u think are dumb...

Answer 2

When I get a best answer, I thank the asker, they may never go back to the site, but I have been polite. If I get five stars, I mention that, too.
I sometimes take the time to agree with someone else's answer, and I sometimes thank the asker for asking a really good question. Like, I agree with Jon Doe! And here is some more things that he did not mention! I told some one yesterday their question was thought provoking.
I avoid the it's been asked a thousand times questions.
And I go through and rate other answers, especialy when my opinion has already been expressed by someone else. And I vote, too. I love getting a best answer when I have tried really hard to give a good answer, but I'm disapointed when there were only one or two voters. Maybe I should not feel that way, I answer because I have an opinion, or to try to help someone. I should not feel disappointment if those two goals have been met.
I have apologized for going on and on about something, using the question for my own personal "soapbox".
And if I give opinions that are not asked for, I point it out, and appologize. But I say whatever it is, anyway! LOL, we are an opinionated bunch here!
In other words, we should vote, rate answers and questions, and be polite. Doing those things encourage others to ask, and answer questions. We all need a little reward sometimes, a simple thank you, or someone pointing to your answer and telling you that you agree, is nice. Please forgive my spelling, spellcheck is down, again.

Answer 3

IF I find questions on the insulting or offensive side, I try to refrain from responding to them.
Also, I make the effort to answer the question as it asked, rather than inject more opinion that requested.
Golden rule is treat the other users as I would like to be treated. If people ask their questions directed toward the people they want answers from, then I pass if I am not a part of that select population of people.
I want to come across with intelligent, helpful and sometimes humorous input when I post on the Y! Answers website.
I also believe that reporting negligent use is effective, but I only report if it fits into a strong category of misconduct.

Answer 4

A lot of these answers are pretty good. I would like to add that I don't understand why people ask factual questions that could easily be found out by doing a simple search. I think it is fine to ask for help or opinions, but when it comes to facts--basic ones even--people should not waste their time typing the question. Why don't they go to google or ask.com? I have never figured that out.

For example: One of the featured questions is about what cholesterol is. I think that would be found doing a simple search. I know it would be. That kind of stuff is what I am talking about. However, if the person asked how it affected other people's lives or what medications they were taking, that would be fine.

Answer 5

I would like to see more people using common sense for a change instead of exercising little to none. It never ceases to amaze me how common sense is not utilized in Yahoo Answers. Such as: people with children or pets. If they are sick and have been for some time, why not take them to get medical attention instead of wanting "quick fixes" or "home made remedies" for their illnesses?

As for the questions themselves, it would be best if the asker was more specific and less vague and more serious instead of being coy with their questions. As for the answerers, it would be nice if they could be more in depth and detailed as best as they could. We are trying to help people, not confuse them and certainly not be judgemental or sarcastic towards them either.

This is what I would like to see more of in here personally. What about you? How do you feel about the whole Q and A procedures in Yahoo?

Answer 6

I think some people need to get a sense of humor.
There are some of us that use humor as a stress reliever,
if people don't like the questions.........why don't they just mosey on down the line instead of being ignorant by insulting the questioner????
Or.......pushing that stupid report button.

Answer 7

One thing that would help would be to report all spammers.

I get so disgusted when I see the Cash Crate and other spams (cash crate is by far not the only one, but the one that stands out in my head).

Answer 8

What ♦ said. Courtesy is always good. But sometimes a little sarcasm is what is called for, especially if it is for comedic purposes.
I Cr 13;8a
10-24-6

Answer 9

I think people should just answer, even to retarded questions, with a real answer, and not be rude or sarcastic, because if you want to know something, people shouldn't mock you!

Answer 10

by REALLY answering the questions and not writing anything else