Best Answer?

Question

You ever notice when the asker chooses a "Best Answer" , he or she chooses the answer they really want to hear ?
It's almost like they already had the answer in mind that they wanted, and they're just wanting for someone else to say want they think. I guess it's human nature, but do some people not even consider to think about other possibilities ?

I meant "waiting" not "wanting" of course I guess that works as well

I think I'm going to pick Andy W's response for my best answer, just kidding. That's funny Andy, my point exactly, a little over the top but, good point.

I agree with Docterwhofan23's answer.
I know that is a little ironic, me wanting to pick that answer, I guess it is human nature.
In my defense though, I am reading and trying to think very objectively about all the answers given.

Charles, I thought about the issues, you stated before I typed the question. I just didn't want to get to comprehensive needlessly, but I agree, you're are correct.
I figured people would know want I meant. The types of questions, I was talking about. And, yes I know this is a public forum with varied opinions, that just adds to my point though.

Answer 1

It happens alot. I love when a believer will ask atheists why they believe a certain way, or do things a certain way...and then they pick another believer for the best answer. That's what gets me. Why ask an atheist a question, then choose a christian answer? Oh well..no biggie though. I myself do try and choose the answer that best answers my questions, even if I don't agree with it.

Answer 2

Yes, what you say is true but only to some extent. I had once answered a question "why are Indian men such mama boys?"
I had expressed an opinion that didn't confirm the asker's expectations. But the answer chosen wasn't exactly confirming her expectation, either. Best answerer was the one who said that Indian men should try to strike a balance.
Even if I give most appropriate opinion, its possible that my OWN opinion is prejudiced. I forgot the fact that asker may/may not appreciate my opinions as asker might have DIFFERENT set of experiences and may/may not look at things the way I do.
At such times, I am fine with the fact that I am not the 'best answerer'. Asker has every right to make his/her choice. Similarly, even an answerer has a choice to express his/her opinion.
Sincerity and honesty, although not always rewarded, seldom goes unnoticed. Taking out time from an otherwise busy schedule, to sincerely answer the asker's question is a 'praise' in itself. Its not really 'praise' that an asker is looking for.
Sometimes its not very difficult to guess from the question, what the asker's mood/bias/opinion is. Depending upon that one can form his/her answer. If at such times you feel that you have a contradictory view you might ask the asker what made him/her feel so. Or you could also express how his/her thinking may be erroneous if a particular situation is considered. For eg:- "If a student asks, is homework necessary?" and if you say 'yes' curtly, you cut off any further discussion. Hence you are LEAST likely to be selected as best. But if you ask student about the BITTER experience that made student think otherwise, about homework, or if you ask something like, "Do you know, if you dont have homework, you will never study till your exam time?", then student may think you empathise with him/her and are likely to provide better guidance/solution.
And when such a chord of concern is struck, you can take pride in having been selected as 'best answerer' or being best guide(and ofcourse LUCKY to have a considerate asker).

Answer 3

OK the large number of answers this question got (not to mention the stars) is in my view due to the fact that most answerers feel strongly about this and wish to make the YA a better place to live.
It is quite fair to suppose that most questioners ask what they already know or have a sketch or outline in the mind and are only looking for someone to reply on those lines in the wittiest manner. But isn't this because to ask an interesting question you really need to know something about it - like who would want to answer for a question like 'Who built the Taj Mahal?' or 'How many n's in 'innuendo?' And when you know something already you can only accept an answer as best answer only if it takes your point of view a little further. It may do if people do not give so much importance to the Best Answer and read the entire list of answers. We would be missing out a lot if we only read the best answer.

Answer 4

I find 3 reasons concerning 3 cases why we choose the best answer and what made the person chose that answer.

1. A person asks a question because he really doesnt know the answer and when someone provides him the answer he needs...It's kinda relieving on his part.

2. When the person who asks knows the answer already: I think, he does it to assure himself that he's on the right track..errr thought! Finding a person who has the same belief as you do is quite comforting (oohhh wrong use of adjective...but i just hope u can feel me!)

3. He choose the best answer just for the sake of choosing---10 points is 10 points. Maybe he only wanted to be in line with the "top contributors" lol

--well to each his own=)

Answer 5

Whether people are prepared to think about the answers they've received depends absolutely on what they've asked.

When people ask about religion, they've generally got an opinion, they'll gun for the opposition and award points to like minds. Even I come to this part of the forum to gun down the theists- although usually in a genuine and sensible way- which could be why my "best answer" rate is rather low.

For a more.. I don't know.. "honest" Y!A experience, I recommend you go to virtually any place *other* than the Religion and Spirituality section. The less room there is for polarity and bias, the more sensible the best answer choices will be.

~ Carnage

Answer 6

Oh well. What can you do, you know? Sometimes I can tell that it's just a question baited to get the answer that they want. Since I know they won't like my honesty anyways, I just give an answer dripping wet with sarcasm. I know I'm not going to get 10 points from it, but I still win by getting two points and a bit of fun at the asker's expense.

Answer 7

How can you be sure that they choose the one most like the idea they had before asking? Maybe they pick the one that sounds the most logical, or did you ask everyone why they picked the one they had already thought to be the correct response, And if you did, how many did you need to ask to come to your conclusion? I'm pretty sure that you won't pick this as the best one. Me, I always pick the guy I think has the biggest tallywhacker, how does everyone else choose?

Answer 8

The only reason why I choose an answer that I want to hear is because I already know the answer, I'm jsut asking to see if anyone else is openminded enough to realize the truth. If I do post a question that I don't know the answer to, I will choose the answer based upon historical fact and logic, not because that is what I want to hear.

Answer 9

We humans, are emotional creatures. As are our reactions, actions, etc. We are subjectives, not objectives, as such it is obvious that the vast majority of people are more likely to pick the answer their heart is dictating. Just look at our leaders, presidents! Our emotions make us humans, as are our mistakes. Some of us are more realistic others are just romantic, but the fact is, THAT WE LOVE TO BE PRAISED, so best answer goes to the person who most closely matches your own opinion! It may be wrong, but hey ! we are stupid humans :)) If you like Borat the movie, then this is a good answer.

Answer 10

I find that's true in many cases. But there are a few times when I was awarded best answer by p[eople who completly or partially disagreed with me.

There have been a few times where I've asked certain questions that there was no way I could judge a Best Answer. It wasn't that type of question to judge on I felt. So I gave the judgement up to the community for determining the best answer.

Answer 11

I agree. It's human nature to be able to identify with others. "Misery loves company" is a phrase that really justifies this.

Cuz is someone asks a question like "Bulimia sucks. What can I do?", he/she is going to choose the answer that runs along the lines of "You're right, bulimia does suck. There is nothing you can do.", and not the one that says "Go find help, you can stop this.". In that prospect, I agree with you.

However, I (and I'm sure many others) ask questions because I want help (unless it's a poll or something), not so that I can fufill my human desire to identify with someone else. And I am going to choose that answer that works for me.