If it looks longer than 10 lines, I just skip it.
2007-06-19 15:45:12 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
actually, I was thinking it over . . 15 lines if they haven't caught my attention with their first sentence.
2007-06-19 15:49:57 · update #1
How long is too long? Well that is simple, its too long when quality information no longer resides within a persons words. This also depends on the level of interest in your own question, how ever for me length is not an issue if the person has provided an answer worth the time it takes to read, the pursuit of knowledge should come without time constraints.
2007-06-19 15:54:32 · answer #1 · answered by Tool 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The first sentence is crucial. But if you're not one of the first couple of answers to a question that you expect to have many answers, then you don't want to exceed more than 13 lines, even with a good opening sentence.
If you MUST exceed 13 lines, use paragraphs, and spaces, and page breaks to make it less intimidating, and try not to use too many big words, as it will desensitize the audience.
Eschew Obfuscation ;)
2007-06-20 02:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by Born at an early age 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is any possibility of giving an answer briefly, I will. If more detail is needed, to back up the answer, then I do. I still try to keep it within 2, maybe 3 paragraphs at the most.
It depends upon the type of question, and how much one wants to know, as judged by how the question is posed. I also look at grammar, and spelling. If these are not in order, the person is probably not very well spoken, and not to be taken seriously.
2007-06-19 22:58:04 · answer #3 · answered by Edward B 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, I think it depends. If it starts out really bad, like it's not what you're looking for, and it's really long, I would stop at about 10 lines. I definitely wouldn't *skip* anything because the one you skip just might be the one answer you need. At least glance over it. =]
2007-06-19 22:48:33 · answer #4 · answered by [[La La La]] 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the question. A good answer is like a piece of string, just long enough to tie up the package and no longer.
Sometimes a long answer is merited but I agree that some people go on and on and on and on and on. Rahter than the overall length, I'm more annoyed when it all comes in one big block instead of breaking it into paragraphs.
2007-06-20 00:50:54 · answer #5 · answered by megalomaniac 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the answer doesn't my attention in my first paragraph, I tend to skip it, not just based on how long an answer is.
As long as it is informative and helpful, no matter how long it is, I will read it. That is, after all, the nature of how things help you.
2007-06-19 23:13:15 · answer #6 · answered by Lief Tanner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the answer. If someone is advertising (which I see a lot of) than it's best to just delete it.
However, sometimes, people give you really good detailed answers which would be more helpful than those 1 line answers people give.
2007-06-19 22:47:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking, I like answers that are short and to-the-point. However, some questions require a detailed answer, and it's nice that some folks have the knowledge and take the time to share it.
2007-06-19 22:59:27 · answer #8 · answered by BooBooKins 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, most of the time the long ones are nice to read and very supportive :)
2007-06-19 22:48:28 · answer #9 · answered by cartoon queen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The breifer the better...so long as the message gets through.
Example: the poem..."Courting" - Flowers are nice but liquor is quicker.
(Ogden Nash...I think and apologize if I'm wrong.)
2007-06-19 22:57:01 · answer #10 · answered by Beejee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋