Don't you think it'd be fair...?

Question

I see so many rude answers given to questions that
were from people who asked for all sorts of help, with
everything from dieting to depression or just needing
advice on what would be the right thing to do about
probelms in relationships.
So, if Yahoo! awards 10 points for the answer that's
voted the best, shouldn't the person who gives the
very worst answer get minus 10 points?

Answer 1

That would be an awesome idea. Sadly enough, I don't think that the scruples of this world would allow for it. There are too many people who think it is funny to be cruel to people who are in need of an honest answer.

Answer 2

They do

When those that violate the rules are reported. Including those who pop off, "I don't know, good luck." These people are just trying for the easy two points.

Now those that do attempt to answer, even if it is a poor one shouldn't get penalized for the effort.

Look at the community guidelines and when you ask a question make sure to flag those who violate them or who just waste your time. Point gaming is not fair and not allowed. It is just the easy way to rack up a false score and when they are reported then get charged 10 points for the crime.

Answer 3

If the answer is rude then, yes, by all means dock them ten points. The only problem is... what's your definition of "rude?" It becomes a whole other ethical question. Depending on how you were raised and where you live, that answer is different for everyone, and I doubt that Yahoo will spend the time and manpower to create a set of guidelines.

Answer 4

Maybe you are right about the "quality" of answers, but points are useless anyway, so it will not work, I think.
Now, what about questions, don't you think that questions like "what is your favourite color?" or "my car broke, what's wrong?" are even worth answering? But MOST questions are like that and some people cannot help but use sarcasm in answering such questions, and I can understand them.
And what about a million questions when students want somebody to do their homework for them?

Answer 5

I would agree with that. Have you written that as a suggestion to them at all? I wonder if they would do that? ANs what if you get to ZERO? I always wondered that. We could award a BONE HEAD CONTRIBUTOR award. I like that! O^O BTW This is a Law and Ethics Category to those wondering why this is in the LAW area. I think it falls well in the ETHICS area.

Answer 6

Why is this question in the LAW section???!

You should get points deducted for stupid questions.

No. It is not a good idea. Any that are REALLY bad get deleted if they are against the rules but you really need to get used to the fact that people sometimes say things that aren't really sweet and helpful and there's nothing you can do about it.

There's nothing in place which says what answer is the rudest or least helpful, it's all a matter of opinion really, and opinions differ a lot.

Answer 7

It sounds fair...but Y/A is anything but fair.
A person who posts inflammatory answers probably goes through a new screen name a night, so it would have little effect.
Yahoo also permits stalkers to eject answerers by reporting them maliciously with no actual violation.

Answer 8

I think that'd be fair. i just got this and i've seen other people who have answered really dumb or just Yes or No or whatever. and its dumb they should just not answer and your right the person who does that should loose 10 points.

Answer 9

yes i think thats right the person with the stupidest or rudest answer should get minus 10 points

Answer 10

i think that it would be very much fair and a good idea.