Does anyone really see the logic in this?

Question

Why do so many people come onto the R&S section, if they're not going to use it properly.

The purpose of Answers is to allow askers to learn and gain information, while giving answerers the opportunity to share their information and have a gloat when they get picked best.

So why do so many Askers seem to find it necessary to ask a deliberately provocational question, and pick someone who simply backs up their opinion as best answer.

They don't learn anything new, only hear back what they already thought. Essentialy, that would qualify for WORST answer, wouldn't it?

For example: a few weeks back, I took the duty to answer a question as to 'why nobody can see that Pagans are evil'.

I then went on to explain in great detail as to 'why', keeping to the question.

I couldn't care less as to whether my answer came back best, but I was mortified at what the asker considered to be the best answer, repeating the question nearly word for word, with scripture for back up.
Ideas?

And before anyone raises a finger over the report button, I'd like to point out that this wasn't a rant or vent of any kind, just one question that was based on the information above.

It couldn't have been asked clearly without it.

Answer 1

Asking questions, being open to new ideas/allowing ideas to challenge and possibly strengthen your own is not the Christian way. I was called demon possessed and a witch for asking simple questions about Christianity growing up.

Of course, I think of Yahoo Answers as entertainment. If I really want to learn, I'll read a book or talk to people who don't hide behind a computer.

Answer 2

Retro, there will ALWAYS be those who see sites such as Y!A to be simply as another form of "on-line gaming". They are ONLY interested in accruing points and Badges as trophies. When they get to the highest level, and acquire all the "rewards" that they can attain, then they get bored and either go away or make NEW accounts and begin the "game" all over again. I have to admit, that I too was seduced by the idea of gaining points and badges, and I'm sure that many others were likewise seduced. It didn't take me very long to realize that there are NO REAL prizes for reaching level 7 and nothing for obtaining the TC badge either. NOW, i just prefer to answer GOOD questions and give the BEST answers that I can and just HOPE that soemone gains from whatever wisdom that I can impart. Whether MY answer is chosen as best or not is irrelevant, and I don't really CARE if it is or not. As long as SOMEONE can gain from MY knowledge and experience, that is ALL that matters to me. I think this should be the attitude of AL the Y!A users.

BB,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 3

I believe that I see your point. I think that another way of phrasing the question is if most of the participants are simply talking and not listening, what is the point of the conversation? (Correct me if I'm wrong.)

I would say that there is a positive benefit to the forum that might not be intended. I'll note that not everyone is simply trying to replicate an answer that's pleasing to the asker or attempting to espouse some theology without giving other voices an ear. For those that honestly are interested in the thought processes of those with agendas, this is an excellent arena to observe their behaviours. It may also help to clarify what one believes within themselves, or more likely, what they don't believe.

It is frustrating when a best answer is chosen on grounds of favouritism. Nevertheless, the more appropriate answers will still be there for inspection. Also, the choice made by the asker will tend to reveal what level of credibility they have, which in turn may be either beneficial or detrimental to their positions.

One last thought on the leading questions that you reference: I myself try to not be baited by them. In the truest sense, they are not a questions at all, but merely advocations of their position. Fortunately, there are real questions out there to be answered.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Well, most people ask questions that they want answers to that confirm what they believe to be true to begin with. That is just human nature. People ask questions in the hope that others feel as they do.

Seldom, though, does anyone actually pick the best answer. And most questions are pre-loaded anyway as to what the best answer will be.

I don't know how you could know what is "proper' use of this site. Would you ask a question and then pick an answer that doesn't agree with what you thought to begin with?

But they do learn new things, it's just that those new things don't always square with what they think the answer should be.

Answer 5

It's a virtual ego-stroking festival in here. There are very few who actually consider the answers, but rather just look for the people to support them... just so they can say "I'm Right". That hardly makes a person right. It isn't logical, but somehow it gives these people the security they need.

Yes, if all they are doing is picking those things which just support their opinion on the matter... that should qualify for the Worst answer... but a lot of these people will not see it that way. It's not surprising. More and more I see people who would rather have their opinions placed on a pedestal rather than actually try to learn something new.

Answer 6

I have noticed the exact same unfortunate trend that you describe in very clear detail. It is too bad, bc they don't learn anything if they just want their own position reinforced.

As you know, I'm a pagan and I ask questions and tend to agree with pagans, but in light of this exact situation that you describe, I recently gave best answers to several Christians who explained the Christian point of view very clearly and without getting preachy, and since I had wanted a Christian point of view, by giving best answer to A Christian, I wanted to show that you CAN give best answer to an answer that you don't necessarily agree with, but which expresses the best answer to the question that you yourself asked. Which was, in fact, to GAIN information that I didn't have before.

I am so so so glad you brought this up. I probably have been guilty of it too, and I am swearing the practice off.

Thanks for asking this question. It is a lesson we should pay attention to, across the board.

blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(

Answer 7

It's logical that people tend to defend their beliefs, and tend to prefer people who share and support their beliefs. I call it the "I am Not an Idiot" principle, because it is essentially the fear that being proven wrong would lead to being shown to have been an idiot. This is related to "My Daddy's Wouldn't Lie To Me" principle, in which one holds to be true certain beliefs simply because one's father (or authority figure) has told them. This is how traditions and other ritual behaviors are propagated - "I don't really know why we do such things, but it's what Daddy showed us how to do, and Daddy wouldn't lie to us". Some traditions, like wearing lederhosen, and easter egg hunts, are innocuous and amusing, but others, like blood atonement, and racism, can be horrifically destructive.

When one has an entire world view built up on unsupported beliefs, circular reasoning, and lack of critical analysis, questioning becomes very threatening to one's feeling of stability and security. This is why most religions warn their followers not to doubt, and that those who question their teachings are agents of evil trying to "lead them astray." This short-circuits critical analysis that may lead to a collapse of the power structure that supports those institutions

Answer 8

How to answer this question without agreeing with your point of view on it?
As I see it, people who ask those sort of questions are looking for others like them to support them in their ignorance. They need empathising others to feel that they are right. This is precisely why they don't even have to be creative but practically copy the whole question as the answer. In a nutshell, insecurity is the drive.
At least that's how I see it.

Answer 9

You know, RS is more like a place u hv debate and discussions rather than to learn, this is a good place if u wanna see how ppl's view of religion is, but if someone truly wants to learn about a religion, wikipedia would give a more accurate(tho not that accurate) answers

Answer 10

I agree whole heartedly. Now vote for mine :-)

In some seriousness, zealous religion requires affirmation by like minds. My somewhat (small 'a') agnostic tendencies don't require affirmation. Without people agreeing with them, zealots start to see the faults in their logic.

To me the primary fault is the "word of God argument" (and this applies to almost all religions). If God was perfect then the word would be perfect and beyond argument. Then why is there so much argument? My answer is the word of God was captured by fundamentally flawed and prejudiced man. It was misinterpreted and perverted to suit particular purposes.

That will no doubt get me spat at - but isn't a pragmatic view of the messages of love and kindness superior to the perverted message of hatred and damnation espoused by fundamentalists everywhere?

I'm sorry to answer your question with questions but religion is a topic best addressed with questions because despite what is screamed at us daily, there is no "Best Answer".