When is a question in R&S serious?

Question

How do you tell when someone is seriously looking for an answer in R&S? Most of the questions seem to be meant to cause an argument, point out the problems in someone else’s belief or are simply silly. I am not saying this is bad, it can be great entertainment, but it is not really helpful.

Are many of these questions serious? If so, what are people expecting? There is a lot of other knowledge, background and often experience necessary to understand some of the answers I would give. Most people would likely dismiss my answer.

Answer 1

I am relatively new here too, some of these folks are definitely out to start an argumentor press an agenda, you betcha. But there are also alot of earnest and caring people who appreciate an earnest exchange of ideas, and also many who could be helped, if you have some help to offer. I guess you just have to learn how to tell when it's a loaded question, or who out there asks loaded questions, and steer clear of them. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy being out here, there really is alot to enjoy, if you don't let the whackos get you down.

edit: U98: What is , or was most common was the christian trolls asking atheists questions and then picking the most insulting christians answer as best.
That's the sort of thing I was referring to as a loaded question...

Answer 2

I have asked nothing but serious questions today, as is my norm. Pangel, Kerilyn, and many others also ask only sincere questions.

The best way to tell is simply to look over the asker's q&a. That will give you a hint as to what types of questions are normally asked.

I've posed 7 or 8 questions in the past 24 hours that I would be delighted to have more people answer. Simply click on my avatar to find my profile.

Answer 3

That is entirely a judgement call.
Sometimes the trolls respect good answers.
What is , or was most common was the christian trolls asking atheists questions and then picking the most insulting christians answer as best.
You will likely find the atheists more fair and less judgemental. (even though they can get pretty rude)
There are a lot of prople that get on here just to make noise. Sometimes looking at their profile and Q&A helps to tell you what they are about.

My questions tend to be loaded, but sometimes there is more behind them. I give links and references for reasons. I want people to think. Smarty answers can be good, serious answers can be good. I put a lot of my questions to voting if they have decent answers.

Answer 4

A large part of the problem is that some want to denigrate all religions and ridicule all believers of all faiths..it is childish behavior....unfortunately they are persistent and think that they are listened to..it is a sad commentary on upbringing and respect..

Answer 5

After you have been here awhile you will understand. The humor is just to lighten the atmosphere here, because it gets pretty bad here sometimes. Don't give up. We all
started out here as a new person. Don't give up. And don't let the nasty ones get to you.

Answer 6

Cogently formed and rationally posed question structure is my usual hint that the question is serious. Otherwise I ignore the rest of the flippant attention seekers.

Answer 7

This is a serious question right here that isn't getting answered. Click the link you'll see that it's a serious question.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ar108UdATzOjY84iTilIhszd7BR.?qid=20070308115700AAMSeuz

Answer 8

If you're looking for a serious question or answer, you'd be paying by the hour. Here, this isn't the case. Any moron, idiot, numnut or brainstem is welcome here - all for free! you're not going to get too serious.......some try to be and they get bashed, why bother?

Answer 9

You go by your gut and the questioner's history. You'll see me responses are different to those who preach and those who ask.

Answer 10

One pops up every five pages or so. I try to look for them.