How and why do you decide to report someone on Yahoo! Answers?

Question

I'm just curious.

Answer 1

Stupid people who post stupid questions and come up with stupid answers should be reported.

Answer 2

In the category of Religion & Spirituality the decision to report is especially delicate. I think too often the report reflects a person's frustration with attempting to frame a reply. Still, some people seem determined to put up a question just to see if they can make people mad. That's not always clear enough to report it as a violation, but it's still aggravating.

I tend to be especially cautious of these issues, preferring to write an answer (and get the two points I would not get from reporting) which points out that the question is rude or at least tacky. Often they are lame attempts at humor. Some people really do not know the difference between well-mannered discussion of differences and adolescent name-calling and tasteless jokes. It's up to us to teach them.

Not being a member of a major religion myself (I'm a witch), I am especially tired of all the assumptions people make about who other people are. Christians have a tendency to believe they are the most populous (which they probably are in the US, but probaby not world-wide), and therefore "everyone" knows the general tenants and principles of their faith. Not so, folks! Many people who are not Christians, who have no particular interest in converting to Christianity, nevertheless have questions about it. Similarly with Muslims, the other large proselytizing group. When a question from a "non-believer" is worded politely, there is no reason they should not get an equally polite, informative response. It does not have to include an admonition to read the Bible (or the Koran, or whatever), as if their interest must necessarily be strong enough to wade through such a difficult reading assignment.

But when someone uses name-calling or intentionally bad-taste humor in relation to your religion, you have every right to be offended. If the question does not admit of a rational answer (and many do not), go ahead and report them. You will be doing the entire Answers community a favor.

Answer 3

I feel everyone is entitled to voice an opinion, and I feel that what one person finds insulting may not be what another finds offensive. Therefore, I report no one.

There is an exception. If I ask a perfectly legitimate question and someone replies with "Reported", I'll report that person for point gaming/not a question or answer. No one is going to earn points from my questions and report me for it. I refuse to allow that to happen.

I've had accounts suspended because of this little stalking game people like to play, and I simply will not report for any reason other than the one stated.

I'm with Serj. It's sickening.

Answer 4

I never report people. I disagree with a lot of stuff said on here, but I think it is rude to report anything for no good reason. If I saw someone cusing up a storm and saying fowl things, then maybe I would report it, but so far, I've only seen that in one answer and no questions.

Answer 5

how, the little box with a flag in it.
why. I have only done it once, because it was full advertising for some loan guy.
Some report you for questions, or answers, I don't unless it is what is considered to be a threat. I believe we all have the right to speak what we think, and if we like it or don't. Just like in the real world, there are many different opinions around here. Some make me mad, I laugh at others, but it is your choice to say and believe what you want.

Answer 6

I don't report anyone...period. I'm a freedom of speech radical. I think everything should stand as written. If it's objectionable, great...now you know what that person really thinks. If it gets removed, only a select few would know what was said. I'd rather the words stand, and the people stand by their words. So I report nothing.

Answer 7

I never do. Why? Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Even the WSIDR.

Well, almost everybody. Chicks in Saudi get beat for having an opinion, so we need to treasure this right.

Reporting is a waste of time and energy. I just read and move on.

Answer 8

I don't report. I did one time a while back because the link they provided sent me to a highly inappropriate website while I was on a computer around other people.

I just ignore what irritates me, and I've learned not to go clicking on every link I see.

Answer 9

I don't normally report anyone, even the trolls. If someone is overly rude, racist, or just offensive I will report them though. Someone that says something like you stupid (insert derogatory term) ******, you're so ignorant and......you get the idea.

Answer 10

Reporting someone is stupid and takes away from the fun of this place. If you don't like what someone has to say ignore it.

Answer 11

I only report ugly and scary things like someone really bigotted or mean for no reason.