Is this a question and answer site or an opinion forum?

Question

I'm just wondering because the guidlines here are grey should we answer the question or give our opinions, sometimes if you give your opinion they violate you for not answering the question or making a statement. What do you think are the guidelines grey here or in bold black and white, and have you experienced that?

Answer 1

I don't know but giving my opinion is half the reason I'm here. Maybe it should be renamed "Yahoo! Opinions"! LOL!
This is just my opinion :-)

Answer 2

Polls and Surveys section is not as strict as the other topics so we get away with a lot, muhahahaha. It's both I believe, just know in the back of your head not to take all of it seriously; there are times when things get out of hand and that puts a kibosh on behavior patterns, thus resulting in a thumbs down or reported "plastic" messages. I have never had a violation for voicing my opinion because I clearly state it as one in the source section and if I answer something based on fact, I back it up. I do agree that the guidelines are a bit on the grey side, the inflictions yahoo perpetrates, aren't really cut in stone hun, I've found that out the hard way. Just be yourself here and open your heart- lots of good folks here.

Answer 3

The rules are in black and white, and are located here: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/answers/

Generally, the question and answer format must be followed strictly. However, because there are thousands of questions and answers flying around at any given second, the Answers Team can't be the eyes and ears for every keystroke. That's why it's up to the Members to report activity that diminishes the purpose and good feeling of our website.

However, opinions make up a good portion of the answers, and should be respected. There are a lot of political and religious views that may seem out of line with your own beliefs, but shouldn't be reported because that person's feelings and beliefs deserve as much respect as yours do.

So, the answer is: grey. With shades of strict. Sort of.

This, by the way, is a good question! Thanks! - Stuart

Answer 4

Depends on the question at hand. If you ask what year did the Civil War end, then you should expect to get an answer, not an opinion. If you ask what to do with a colicky baby, your responses will more likely be an opinion. I think people need to take a chill with all these violations for silly things-Oops, that's my opinion.

Answer 5

While it is supposed to be a question and answer sight, it does often become a soapbox for all sorts of social and political opinions. As to the answers....sometimes the way the "question" is posed, an opinion is really all they are looking for (or for validation on their opinion). I haven't had any bad experiences, but I tend to be more discriminating on what questions I choose to answer.

Answer 6

I agree with voltage. The answers are opinions based on personal experiences or career expertise.
Some answers, sadly are given by immature persons who aren't really interested in answering or asking serious questions.

Answer 7

In a word: yes. Some questions ask for opinions, others ask for truthful answers. It all depends on the question.

Answer 8

Depends.
I've noticed that most questions do not ask for a fact [ex: what's the average weight of newborn children], but for an opinion [ex: who's your favorite singer]...

Answer 9

depends on the forum, most need just an answer, others need personal experience, and others call for your opinion. P&S however is where you just do whatever the hell you want! Its fun.

Answer 10

An answer that you think is corrct may be an opinion to someone who dosent want to accept your answer so it's mostly based on whaat you think.