When I joined answers, I never intended to make it a hobby, I was just curious and found it fun, I have come to the conclusion 500 points later, that I am a frustrated 'know-it-all' : In my "real" life, I always think I know best but have learnt to mostly keep it to myself........nobody likes a smart-***!
Why would intelligent people spend so much time answering questions in cyberspace without getting paid?
2007-07-26 05:02:27 · 33 answers · asked by anthony m 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Had a quick check on answers given so far and you guys made me start to well up inside, I'm not an overly emotional person but I will find it really hard to choose the best answer as I seem to have reached some of the kindest,big-hearted,warm, funny and intelligent people I have ever encountered on Y.Answers. You all deserve good Karma!
2007-07-26 05:37:46 · update #1
Quick aside to 'Mocking Bird'.............maybe you didn't read some of the answers, you seem a little jaded and cynical due to your own previous experiences, I have no chip on my shoulder or illusions of grandeur, not every intelligent person wants to be a leader, ask Tony Blair....such things are transitory. If you help one person change their life for the better, the effect is like a ripple in a pond. Leaders of the world rarely get the opportunity to bring happiness to the individual. Please try not to devalue the contribution made by people capable of doing this.
2007-07-26 05:54:09 · update #2
It can be funny at times and makes me smile, priceless.
2007-07-26 05:05:43 · answer #1 · answered by D 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I found this place by accident and I had been in groups for a while. It seems that groups were getting really slow with little or no interaction. I think that it is the immediate responses that gets me hooked. I think it is stimulating to the mind as well. I like reading what others have to say but sometimes I am disappointed by some of the anger one can run into as well. No one would be so quick to do that in person in a in person discussion group. But also no one would probably be as honest either. I think some are here to impress and yes others to offer support. Some spread hate others love. Some are just lonely. Me I try to only answer questions I feel drawn too for what ever reason. I try not to deliberately hurt someone. If someone is reaching out the only way they can at the time saying they are depressed why would you want to push them over the edge. If someone is having problems in their faith why push the there is no God anyway button.
So for some it is just a game while others it might be a way in this disconnected world to connect with others. Who is to say. Evita
2007-07-26 05:21:54 · answer #2 · answered by evitabug 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love the question, and I feel the same, I think I could help everyone but instead keep it shut.
The thing is, as well as helping other people out with there problemo's, I've also got some great advice. And if you hear of a job that just wants you to answer good and sometimes pointless questions, let me know cause I'd love it ;0)
2007-07-26 05:29:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same question as you do.
Maybe it is because we can mask our background more--and intelligent people fit in with cyberspace--there would be no cyberspace without intelligent people.
Besides--money isn't everything.
It's what we [smart people] like to do--know everything and pride ourselves of it (or at least I hope you do if you're a smart person). How else could we show we are smart people other than answering people who aren't... that.... well informed?
2007-07-26 05:10:45 · answer #4 · answered by moonii 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, some would say it is to do good, some would say that they know everything and want to pass theire knowledge to others; some would say to pass the time but for me it's just that I'm bored to the pants and that at least I can live in a fantasy world for a few hours whilst on here.
Would love to be unretired and working and not forced to retire due to ill health.
Sad person or what?
As for getting paid....No I don't think so!
2007-07-26 05:09:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I enjoy the company. Often, many people I answer questions for will chat with me on yahoo IM.
Being a single daddy with 2 kids and a very demanding job I don't have time to socialize too much. I like to unwind and answer a few questions each day.
It's also nice to be able to help others, I've done a lot of things in my life and to be able to help someone with their problems lets me forget about my problems, if even only for a short while.
The diversity of the people here on answers never ceases to amaze me and I learn quite a few new things each day. I wont be going anywhere for quite awhile.
Thanks!
2007-07-26 05:13:58 · answer #6 · answered by nremtohio 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Because I am the following;-
Bored
Lonely
Old
Wise
Love to give an opinion without being challenged
Like to think I am still usefull
Can get loads off my chest
It replaces something to do with my hands now I have quit smoking.
TV is boring
No money to go out
Like to think an answer may change someones life for the better.
It's pi--ing down with rain!
etc etc etc
xxxxxx
2007-07-26 05:15:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because during the time I am at work with nothing to do, I just come on here to pass the time. This site keeps me occupied until it is time for me to get off work. Also, I feel like if any of my answers have helped anyone on here, that's a reward in itself. I that case, pay is not important. What's important is the fact that I helped someone.
2007-07-26 05:09:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yahoo! answers is addictive. The points system appeals to those obsessive types [like me who like to collect things]. I have also made some new friends on here and I love to hear other people's opinions even if they are radically different to my own. I can a bit of a trivial buff and know lots of useless facts and like sharing my opinion and knowledge. I would not say I am a smart **** but I am quite nosey and like to "know" things. People tend to reveal more of themselves over the Internet than they might in real life.
2007-07-26 05:09:24 · answer #9 · answered by talkland72 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am at work. I am a molecular biologist. I do cancer research. A large part of research is waiting for your experiments. I come here to give answers to questions I actually know something about. If I can help out another person by sharing what I know, I will do it. Conversely, if I have a question, I can usually get some good feedback here. And to the person who said "intelligent people don't hang out here". Um actually I am highly educated and I have a genius IQ. I have no doubt I am smarter than you. Evidently you haven't stopped being a know it all.......you are STILL asserting that you know EVERYONE's motivation for being here. Please, eliminate yourself from the gene pool asap.
2007-07-26 05:39:56 · answer #10 · answered by beautifulirishgirl 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I agree with Dj's answer....I really do care about people and like to help them...I sometimes ask for help too, and have found it very interesting to see other people's opinions....a real eye opener sometimes! Sometimes your immediate family and friends aren't much help because they are TOO close. An objective view can shed light . I don't think any of us here (except you maybe?) think we know it all, but we know our own little world and have our own experiences, mistakes and victories to share with others. It's also better than tv (most of it anyway) and let's be honest...it's getting harder and harder these days to find real friendship...we are all so into consumerism....etc...etc...but that's another subject!
2007-07-26 05:19:30 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋