You walk the walk; But do you talk the talk?

Question

Someone had to witness their Spouses suicide.
Someone is fighting for custody of their Grandchildren.
For their own safety.
Someone has rising Medical Bills. With no end in sight.
Someone has a Stalker.
Someone's physical disabilites are worsening by the day.
Someone lost their Son. And will never see life the same.

Many, get on this sight to escape boredom.
Some come on to offer a helpful hand.
Some actually come to get answers to questions that they face.
And have to see on a daily bases.

QUESTION:
Do you consider the purpose of the question.
And the results of your answer?
Do you offer your compliments with the thought of actually being sincere?
Or are you just getting your two points?

Kindness will always be appreciated.
And will always get Best Answer.

I wish everyone, the best of the day!

Answer 1

See I think that is part of my problem on here. I was just talking to a good friend this morning and I said..... "When I meet someone I try to get to their 'purpose' and needs too quickly."

I read the questions on here and my first reaction is NOT to the question..... it's to the person. I sit back and think..... ok why are THEY here. I guess I've been here so long and have met so many people and realized that we all have our reasons for being here. They are all widespread as you indicated in your question. We all have issues.... we all have needs.... we all have reasons. And I guess I've stopped worrying about the questions long ago and started thinking about the people behind the avatars..... behind the questions.

What's interesting is to follow someone's questions for a period of time. That's when you start to "know" them..... and that's when you can start to make a difference. You know? Like... like someone will write really hilariously funny questions constantly. And then...... all of a sudden, they write something so serious........ so deep. And you stop in your tracks and say...... wow. Gosh you for instance. Something hit you today..... and made you realize you just had to get this out. Is that the you you always show on here? So following someone's questions..... following their answers..... well then when it really matters..... you can then get straight down into not just giving them a sincere answer...... but one they'll actually listen to..... gain something from... and benefit TONS more than just the 2 points you got from answering.

Yes..... these questions matter. People are reaching out in ways that I think we can't ignore. yes.... the things we say to them are important. What's more important...... is always realizing there is someone JUST like you on the other side. Never forget that.

(thanks for listening! But thank you even more for thinking of something like this!)

Answer 2

I consider what the asker has in mind & answer accordingly. I also consider whether my answer will benefit or amuse them in some way. I'll try to give a helpful answer to those who are asking for help. Or inform someone looking for information. Or give an honest opinion to someone asking my opinion. If a question is clearly meant to entertain or is asked with tongue in cheek, then I'll have a little fun with it.
I don't give personal compliments that often, but when I do, it's from the heart.
Occasionally, I've been known to call people down if they've done or are about to do something stupid, or if they're obviously trolling.
As for the points: Sure, they're nice to have, but that's not my main reason for being here. If it was, I'd be well beyond Level 4 by now.
Great question, Buzz. Thanks for asking.

Answer 3

Hello Buzz - I have a confession to make. When I first started visiting YAnswers, my agenda was to have fun, score points and answer questions to the best of my knowledge. All that changed when I landed on a fellow YA question that sounded like the asker was suicidal. Most of the answers were caring but there were a few that either the person answering wasn't tuned in to the problem or simply didn't care. I worked on my answer to the asker for a long time, typing and changing my answer several times. When I finally had an answer that I was pleased with, I said a pray for the asker and submitted my response, hoping that it would give them some comfort in their time of need. I'm very happy to report that they are still among us and that to me, is more rewarding than the 10 points that they gave me for my answer.

In closing, we really don't know if questions asked at YA are sincere, but I choose to use caution and answer in a caring, and hopefully mature manner. I don't want to inflect more pain and suffering on anyone. There's too much hate in this world and if I make one person feel better about something, then I'm happy.

Answer 4

Buzz, I have to tell you that this posting really impressed me. I want to thank you too, because it's not the best of days for me and reading through this and the responses you've received really was kind of restorative.
I first ventured onto YA out of curiosity. My very first contact was someone who seemed to be great fun but who also had her own tough times to work through. My next contact was someone going through a terribly difficult and frightening situation, searching for support and information. Having both to share resulted in us becoming e-mail friends and my life has been enriched by her wisdom and humor.
I do try to make my answers worthwhile; I want to be of help when I can. I believe that a compliment or a word of kindness can sometimes turn a whole day around, so why be stingy with them?
Thanks again Buzz. Great question.
(And BTW, your new pic answered one of my questions. Someone was asking about buzz hair cuts and I wondered if you had one under that hat of yours. Guess not!)

Answer 5

Buzz, I think that people come to this site for many different reasons, many come just to amuse themselves, some to escape, some truly need help, it runs the gamut. Although I generally am here to escape, I sometimes find myself drawn to certain questions, where I may provide some real help, and I feel that when that happens I must heed the call, and I do!! I try to avoid empty shallow responses that are simply mindless.I agree that kindness is the ultimate, "Above all be kind", are the truest words ever spoken. It's great to feel appreciated and loved but that does not compare to the feeling you get when you know you've really helped someone, maybe even changed their lives.And remember,..... We all can't be you!!!, (Haha) Be blessed, you are a kind soul!

Answer 6

Where is the hat??!! Why would you loose the hat??!!

I take each question into consideration and answer according to how well I know the person and what they have been thru. I never offer a compliment unless I am being sincere and I could care less about the points.

Have a good day ...and think about the hat...maybe I will get you one like Buks....

Answer 7

When I ask a question it's because I really want to know the answer. When I answer, it is what I believe in. If there is a compliment to be made then I will give it.

Have a great day Buzz and I love the new hairdo.

Answer 8

I try to gauge my answers to the spirit in which the question was asked. Questions that fall under the "light-hearted" category get "less serious" answers and those that fall under the "serious" category get a "more serious" answer. If I can't easily determine to which category the question belongs...I usually don't answer. You have to consider the consequences of your answers....there are friends out there that deserve the "real" you and there are fragile people who may be deeply scarred by a really bad answer. Compliments are given as needed and deserved.

Answer 9

I come here to help, either with a giggle for someone or a genuine concern for people's problems. I was gone for a month because things were just too negative and it was making me sad. I'm back now, though not as much as before....with the same intentions; to help. But, you know that about me already.

Answer 10

Good post.
I try very hard to think about the purpose of the question. One reason I answer only my contacts questions is that I know that they are sincere questions.

I hope my answers are helpful, but I know that they aren't always, but I try. God Bless you Bro. !