Unusually riled up and needing input about...?

Question

...the fact that Y!A is a breeding ground for people to attempt to confirm their opinions without any basis on fact. I get riled up because this perpetuates myths that have been disproven years ago. I know that it's just Y!A and things can't be taken too seriously. But when people can choose best answers for reasons other than the fact that they _are_ the best answer it creates a scary situation in my opinion.

Yes this question of mine was brought on by a particular question that has been asked in the LGBT section multiple times. To me it's one of the more serious myths that really needs to go away.

I'm looking for other people's views on this scenario of picking bad answers that happens in Y!A every day. Is it that big a deal or not? Are there any effective ways to address this? Are there times when it should be allowed to let slide but other times when it shouldn't? Any thoughts on it would be appreciated. Even if it's to tell me I'm overreacting. :)

Answer 1

I get the same way. Then I remind myself to breathe; it's just a game and we can't take it too seriously.

There's several things going on. Sometimes, someone will ask a question and neither they nor the people voting know what the answer is. The wrong answer gets chosen; it's too bad, but it happens.

Some people ask a question and then pick the answer they don't like and then rip it apart in the "Asker's Comment".

If there's a hot topic, people often do what you say: ask the question and then pick the reply that fits their point of view. Here in LBGT, because we are a cohesive group and because we are the majority here, we have a very good remedy for that, if we choose to exercise it. We can still add "thumbs down"s to the homophobic questions after the wrong answer is selected, and we all know what those Q & A s are.

I try to provide helpful answers, because, I like helping people. Fortunately, that's how most people feel and that's why Y!A is a good place.

I think people have to realize that although you can get some real good info and find real help here, still it's free and although there are bargains to be found, often in life you get the value you pay for.

Answer 2

Your not overreacting.

However, we have to deal with what we have. This is a free service and as such, I'm going to appreciate it, with all its flaws. I do write them with ideas and suggestions, but if they don't take them, that's okay with me. Its their service!

There WILL ALWAYS BE someone out there trying to stir things up, some how, some way. If he can, he will, the only reaction we can give that he won't appreciate, is NO REACTION.

People are going make mistakes in voting, they are going to pick answers that are "wrong" but suit them. Sometimes they'll pick one simply because someone used a slogan they liked, out of the blue. The fact is, without voting for every single question, that just can't be stopped. And, personally, when I ask a question, I'd like to be able to reward the points for time and effort!

Answer 3

I deliberately try to include sources for anything I post that I think is more "serious". Hopefully, at least some of the people reading will get curious and click. If someone wants to just pick as best whatever they agree with, they're going to no matter what. If someone else comes along though, at least they can see the facts.

Answer 4

Depends on the circumstance, but if the question is really not a question and is mainly posted to hurt or harass individuals on Y! Answers I recommend you report them for abuse. They'll review the question and delete it usually. Also, if someone is reported as being abusive enough Y! Answers will delete their profile completely and they get to start from scratch.

Also, I'd just learn to pick your battles. Most of the people doing it are specifically posting to get people PO'd so they can laugh at the postings others make. I think how pitiful it must be to be a loser that has no life and has to sit in front of a computer and post things that are hurtful to others just to make themselves happy. Let them have their fun. I will not allow them to get me down and go about enjoying my wonderful life while they spend theirs miserable and alone.

Answer 5

Get over it. Who cares what is voted as the best answer as long as the person who asked the question gets different perspectives. That is the point to this whole thing. I've posed many personal questions and have gotten different perspectives. That was very helpful. That's why people like this site so much. The asker will ultimately decide what was the best answer for them if the question is at all meaningful to them.

Answer 6

I think generally that people who pose the questions pick the best answers as the ones they agree with....A lot of people on here are just trying to rile you up..they have no information..no real education..they're just sort of lost and looking for attention.

Answer 7

SO that people try to go for best answer, they allow you to cite sources, so if some person had a good answer and showed a real source, they probably would have been picked as best answer

As you can see, I however have no source

Answer 8

No way Jen, you are not over reacting at all, look at the crap people were posting about my simple humane question...! I really came to these boards for legitimate help and it is sad that there are people who like to disturb a genuine community. I like your posts, I hope we can open a more regular communication... thanks for your participation on here!!