Is it ethical to vote for your own answer as 'Best Answer'?

Question

Some really great answers so far. How could I ever choose the best?

I'm going to leave this one to go to voting ;-) Can't wait to see the results!

Answer 1

~~~ Ethics Smethics! I'm voting for myself!! ~~~

Answer 2

If it was possible to vote for one's own answer as the
best answer then yes it would be ethical. In fact, I
question the practicality of asking the question if
the asker didn't already have an idea of what the
best answer should be. To blindly ask a question
without any concept of a rational answer is like
going white water rafting without paddles. There
must be some base for considering the validity
of the answers which are given. Therefore, it is
conceivable that someone could ask a question
for which they have a partial answer and after
receiving answers have the outcome that the
asker's partial(or comprehensive for that matter)
answer remains the most appropriate answer.
However, concerning Yahoo Answers if the asker's
answer is the most appropriate then the asker shouldn't
be rewarded points for answering their own question
unless other answers to the question are the ones
distributing the points.

Answer 3

If you sincerely want the points it is, I have done that, but bet bunches of people did it before I found out how, LOL I have not done that in a long time, to many people know this little trick now. If others are voting your vote might not matter anyways. You can't answer you own question only add details so you can't ask and then answer and then vote on your own question now that would be pointless even if you did get the points, to me.

Answer 4

The question itself is somewhat moot, as we are prevented from rating our own answers, however - It can be argued that rating your own answer as best would in some cases be considered ethical (if it were allowed).

> If your answer is the only one offered.
> If your answer is the only one that truly addresses the question, rather than disparaging the questioner.
> When your answer really is the best answer.

This is somewhat similar to a candidate voting for him/herself in an election. While this is absolutely allowed and viewed as an inviolate right, it is likewise considered tradition to vote for an opponent ("good sportsmanship").

Answer 5

Yes. Why not? If you think your answer provides the most thorough explanation to the question compared to other answers, it is justified to vote your own answer as 'Best Answer'. Voting is usually subjective - some people will favor some types of answers, even though they may not be objectively the best and most comprehensive. If you vote objectively, it is ethical.

Answer 6

Mean when its in voting? Its fair game at that time but its not all that ethical unless maybe if it is the best answer.

Answer 7

The idea about Yahoo! Answers to ask a question to get an answer. Why would you ask a question if you already have an answer?

If it's an opinion question, naming your opinion better than someone elses is not really the "Best Answer". It's just one you agree with.

To me, it's not ethical.

Answer 8

Lol, ethical. I guess it's *OK* to do it, as long as you're considering other people's answers and that you really truly and deeply believe that your answer kicks everyone else's butts because it answers the question...then yep, it's ethical to vote for your own answer as "Best Answer."

Answer 9

Your one vote will make little difference unless you break a tie anyway. If you could vote limitlessly then it would be unethical. A political candidate can vote for themselves, but only once. It is all the same here.

Answer 10

It is ethical to take advantage of all provisions.
One can only vote once for each question. So one cannot really take any undue advantage if there is a real vote fight.

Answer 11

Of course!

If the question is opened up for a vote to all participants, and you feel that your answer IS the best answer, you SHOULD vote for it.