Do you ever wonder how people choose best answer for their question?

Question

Sometimes I look at the answers chosen as the 'best answer by asker' and I'm surprised that it was chosen. Not because I think mine is the best or anything, but because the chosen answer is full of misinformation, untruths, platitudes.

It seems obvious that people want answers that make them feel better, not tell them the truth. So second question, how many you sugar coat your answers, or give an answer that you don't necessarily believe in, just for the extra points?

Answer 1

Dear Melissa, I would never sugarcoat my answers just to get some yahoo points... that's ludicrous. However I find your question extremely interesting, you really seem to be a very nice and intelligent person.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The process by which an answer is 'chosen' is already so arbitary and random that to try and anticipate what will make the voters pick you is a waste of time. Note that I don't say 'best answer chosen', because I agree it is sometimes not. At times like that you remember that you are here for the benefit of yourself, and folk who appreciate 'good' answers. It is disappointing if the 'best answers' lists get cluttered up with a little trash, but the diamonds will shine through the dross as they say... But as an 'answerer' you can weigh the odds a little in your favour by being clear, polite, and concise - very concise. Not my style at all of course.. Cheers ND9

Answer 3

I don't ever sugar coat my answers. I tell them in a way that would be easier to understand. I NEVER think I'm going to get best answer. Sometimes I feel like the way I word my answers is like I'm speaking to a child, and I figure nobody will like it. But those are usually the ones that get picked!

Answer 4

I think a lot of people just pick the first answer.

Points mean nothing in the real world, so I would never give an insincere answer just to get extra points.

Answer 5

I can think of 3 possibilities:
They aren't looking for information, just throwing questions 'out there' to see what people say. Best might be the one that is most off-the-wall.
They get the information they are looking for. example: looking for how to get ink out of leather. Answer gets the ink out. Hence, it's the best.
As you touched on, and others posted: They are looking to re-inforce what they think, so the answer that agrees with their thoughts wins.

Answer 6

OK.
someone picks the best answer that is if s/he knew a little about the answer s/he would write that answer I mean s/he chooses as s/he is choosing her/himself's answer.in other words (It seems obvious that people want answers that make them feel better)

Answer 7

I do not care about the best answer , I tell them based on my experience , and I sugar coat nothing ..((ask the ones who send me all of the "abuse " violations for offending others)) ...it is not my fault the truth hurts....

Answer 8

yeah yeahh..u absolutely true..but according to me..mostly ppl choose best answers by looking at their points..their scores..and their best answers..but i don think so tha itz a right way to select an answer..but u know what..as far as i think..mostly ppl choose the best answer to 1st person..who responsed them..which is also not right..coz reallyy..sometimes it happens..that very very very good answers are ignored..

Answer 9

Don't worry, I can also see that they want someone to comfort them on their problem not answer them saying "they screwed up and they should fix the problem," I myself dont sugar coat it, that may be the reason I have no best answers.

Answer 10

why they choose it best?
bcz it matches their thoughts.
no one want the fact but needs others attitude.

secondly its depends on their own caliber to answer the best,
but it depend on the question also .