Is it a bit cliquish?

Question

I have seen it written of the Seniors Group that we are close knit. I sincerely hope that is true for a number of reasons other than that we are exclusive.

Lets be real, We know it‘s true!! Too often the best answer in this group is chosen more for the popularity of the answerer than for the quality of the answer. When I vote for a best answer I usually find that I am in agreement with the majority of voters. Amazing.

I have also observed that the askers who chose their own best answer will most often chose an answer that reinforces their already formed opinions.

From this day forth I will put all may questions out for vote. I believe that will remove any appearance of bias and help create a level playing field that welcomes diverse and interesting answerers.

What do you think?

Answer 1

If I like the question I will read all the replies.I really don't know anyone on here so if you vote for someone you know I'll never have a chance.I like the fact that most of you seem to really care about each other.Have a Blessed Day,

Answer 2

A long time ago, I read a comment made by a guy who mentioned to another that he never read down far to choose
his best answer or vote on someones' answer. He was
bragging how that's how he got to the level he was as a top
contributor. And that really galled me, because I felt he couldn't choose a random answerer and feel it was the best
written on that forum. I consider the asker. If they are serious
they want a legitimate answer. In fact, need it, to solve a
problem. So I answer to questions I feel I can contribute
something of worth, for them to consider. I used to be at a
higher percentage than I am now. Just because I floated
around to different categories and answered alot of to
build up points. I got spoiled in getting several a day. But
after a certain level, what is the point? Other than to ask
questions and you need points to deduct for that. And then
I found this site by accident one day, and found the con-
versation went beyond 'potty humor' and also crass humor. I find the conversation is more adult here and straight
forward. So I find it more worthwhile. And sometimes edu-
cational.
Like when I found my answer was wrong and was glad
to see the correct answer. That was the one having to do with
the side kick to Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, Oh shoot, A
senior moment. Well not Smiley Burnett, the other one. Well
you know who I mean LOl. So we do live and learn, even in
our old age. Or older ages LOL. to be more precise.
I must admit, that I am just not into the fantasy thing. I don't
even care for movies that have mystical elements or much
in the sci fi vein. I didn't even watch one of my favorite actors, Sean Connery who was the voice of a dragon in a movie
my hubby enjoyed. So you'll have to excuse me from not joining in, as I just can't get into it. Nor do I really understand the thoughts of what's going on. But more power to those
who do enjoy it and can keep others interested in their
contributions.
So in closing I hope no one votes for popularity, that just
isn't right. We are here to also help people, and if we don't
vote the closest answer to the truth for best answer, then we do a diservice to the asker, I believe. So I'll continue to do my
best when a serious question is asked for. And I hope to
have a little fun when I can too.

Answer 3

We are a tight knit group with common interests & experiences, but I don't feel we exclude others. The choice is yours and if that's how you feel, then by all means do it. HOWEVER, you asked for our opinions so here's mine.

B.A.'s are chosen for various reasons-the most useful information, something resonated with you, it made you think, or since not all questions are serious-it made you laugh. The criteria for Best Answer differs from person to person, we have no idea the reasoning behind why others chose a B.A., only why we do. I don't ask many questions, but when I make a choice, I usually put something in the comment that will give an idea why I liked the answer.

I know this is long, but I see question after question being asked and going to voting and people-or worse yet, one person who has no knowlege of the subject or votes the 1st answer to get pts, gets to choose.

Bottom line: I feel if you start a job, you should finish it. You ask, we answer, you should pick the best answer!

Answer 4

In my short time contributing to this group I have been accused many, many times of being partisan. That I have instigated a select group to form an inpenatrable clique. To my last breath I will deny this. People of a like mind joined together to piece together a on-going 'yarn'. This reminds me of nothing more than how folk used to gather in the days long ago - in my childhood - and stories would become legend and it was a source of nothing but entertainment. Not political, not educational - just fun. Remember that? When people 'answer' or comment on my post - I will choose a best answer to reciprocate the the kindness of folk taking time to remark on my lunacy! It doesn't have to be the wittiest or the smartest or even the one that rips me to shreds - yes, I have chosen some of those for best answers - they do have a good point! It will be for the one that I think has understood, been touched by or has joined in with the greatest contribution to the whole.

I have FORGOTTEN to choose - I have a life as well - although many would disagree with that - and I always feel as though I have been negligent.

Its your choice.
But it is nice to say thank you - somehow.

Answer 5

I have no idea who chooses best answers due to popularity...in fact, I asked a question two days ago about "do you do all the calling, the traveling, etc...I was overwhelmed with the responses! I chose an answer from someone I had not seen here before, didn't know who he/she was..but the answer was absolutely right about me! IN fact, I even stated that I hated the answer, for it was correct! IT criticized me for my thinking. But, I had to admit, the answerer was absolutely dead right!
Here, best answers mean nothing, in fact, points mean nothing. This forum is a place to meet, to share ideas, to compare notes, so to speak. When I ask a question (I admit I rarely ask anything), I have a problem in my head and I want input...if the input happens to be in agreement with me, fine...but if it makes me think, to look deeper into myself, all the better. I have been here for a while, stumbled across the site by accident. Before I came to this site, I was busy in other sections, and was chosen best answer many times. And my answers were often sharp, critical, and to the point. I never figured anything I write could possibly be chosen "best answer," but it was because it gave a different point of view. I am no power house for "correct answers," that is for sure. I bat at 11-12%, not high by any standard. But I try to answer things as I see them, not as a "best answer" type thing...that would be a waste of everyone's time, wouldn't it? And I have not observed bias, I have observed friendship with many here, but NOT chosen best answer, for many of us here are "friends" here....If you put something out for vote, often the voting is for either the last answer or the first answer...certainly not the best answer. IF you ask the question, then have the balls to chose what YOU consider the best answer...that is the only real way this works. I have seen how "voting" works...it just doesn't work well at all...Too many people here are working for points..I have no idea why! Once you reach level two, you are free to do it all...any other levels mean nothing except you have spent far too much time here and ignored far too much about you. I am more guilty of this than many, that is for sure. Good luck, love, and peace in life, Goldwing

Answer 6

I don't feel that the Seniors Group is cliquish. Yes, there are some common reoccurring themes that are here, but that's just part of being close knit. If you have a question and you don't choose the best answer for you, it's telling the answerers that you don't care. Not acknowledging those that took the time to respond to you would just be flat out rude, in my opinion. We want to help you and value knowing what answer works best for you. Now, let's see if you choose best answer or ignore all of these very insightful responses to your question.

Answer 7

I don't think it will make any difference. Who do you think votes on undecided questions in this category? I would guess that it is someone familiar with everyone and will know which answer is posted by which person. Try reading through some of the undecided and see if you can tell. In my opinion, if you took the time to ask the question, you should be the one to choose the best answer.

Answer 8

I have to say I have posted some questions regarding family and aging and behavior and got answers that were to the point and much like a wake up and smell the coffee lady. They made me think and do more inspecting of my feelings and see I was too close to the situation to be unbiased. Did I like some of the answers-No. But they opened my eyes. I will stick to reading all the answers and even leaving my questions upa bit longer to get more answers. I value you Koha and hope you will rethink letting your answers be picked by others.

Answer 9

I said it before and I will say it again. This senior citizens category is a chat room. And that is fine, I don't have to stay here and ask or answer questions, so I don't. That is why it has the feel of a high school clique.

I also don't want to keep marching down memory lane. Once was enough.

Answer 10

I haven't noticed that at all Dear. I think it just appears that way because there are fewer questions asked in here than most other categories !!!!! There are hundreds more questions asked in Polls and Surveys for instance. It is impossible to keep up in there. How many questions go through here in a day? Not an awful lot. Please don't leave your best picks to voters. Most only read the first few. If they do read them all they don't usually go back and pick the best !!!