Should Garden & Landscape answers be judged on their own merit?

Question

Some people like to include their work experience, titles or degrees as part of their answers. Some people even list this information as the source of their answer. Is this useful information that helps an asker to identify the best answer or just a vain attempt to influence the asker? What does the Garden & Landscape community think of this practice? Should this be practice be continued?

Answer 1

I think people have various reasons for doing this.
One of the people responding has given theirs.
I don't think it is something that needs to be controlled as most people will pick the answer that suits them best and provides the best information for them regardless, of any titles and degrees.
Some very detailed information from an expert may be too complicated for one person,another may want all the information availiable.
I've seen topics where the answerers gave obviously fake credentials and that only amuses me.
In my experience a useful answer stands on its own merit.
I wouldn't like to see too many rules on Yahoo answers.
As long as content is not offensive or abusive or spamming I don't mind because I've got freedom to choose what I like.
Interesting question.Thanks for posting it.

Answer 2

This is a very good question and it made me think of why I put down "Horticulture Student (experience , if applicable)." And My honest answers is Yes to all.

I think we can all agree that we are here with the intention to try to help someone who needs information or advice while being anonymous. So why would anyone advertise their credentials?

Stating a degree or an experience does not necessarily constitute bragging. For anyone who has asked a question or are looking for [resolved] answers, there's a bit of skepticism (if not, there should) about the viability of the information and the credibility of the informant. I think a lot of the Answerers here feel an obligation to the Asker of what their backgrounds are. Is it necessary? Ever had a neighbor complain about something in their yard and when you try to give them advice they look at you like you're crazy and don't know what you're talking about. I want to shove my books and certificates up my neighbors........ when he complains about his drought tressed defoliated trees and brags about his green grub damaged lawn and pretend he's listening to my advice.

Inevitably, when we post an answer, it's pretty much an vain attempt to influence the asker, we should at least let them know where and of what authority the information is coming from, because in the end the asker (and not even the voters) will decide which answer is truly best.

Horticulture Student, YA Contributor since July '07

Answer 3

As someone who has answered questions in this category I will respond with some of "my" reasons. There are times when I list my credentials.....Master Gardener, Landscape Designer, Lawn/yard/shrub Business for 10 years, a lifetime of gardening experience, and others. I do this when I think it may let someone know that what I suggest is time proven and is the Best solution I know, other times I list nothing, knowing that years of experience will make little if any difference since common sense can be the judge. In the end it is still the asker who picks the answer best suited to his/her problem and all the Degrees in the World do not necessarily make a person the best of the best. I strongly suggest that anyone asking a question get a second opinion, there are many places with a wealth of information, such as your local Agricultural Extension Office, Libraries, Nurseries etc.

Answer 4

Some of the best gardeners do not have degrees or titles. My grandmother was a fanststic gardener, in her time a head gardener would have been male only but her gardeneing advise was great. And I have run into some gardeners with titles and degrees and experience and their advise had not been worth a hoot. So I do not look at this as anything more than bragging on the answers part.

Answer 5

I am an advanced master gardener through Michigan state university.Does it make me a better gardener then you.No and it never will.It may give me a little information on plant problems but the lady next door can grow whatever I do and may have better results.A true gardener grows for the pleasure of gardening,not for a title.