The Perpetual Question of Over-Answered Quora Questions: Why Add More When No One Reads?
The internet is a vast sea of information where every second, millions of pieces of content are created. But there's a limit to the attention span and, more importantly, the readership. Over time, Quora, a question-and-answer platform, has faced a peculiar issue in its community: why do people continue to add long answers to questions that already have a hundred or more responses?
Understanding the Disinterest in Longer Answers
Many seasoned Quora users, like myself, have observed a clear trend. Questions with over a hundred answers are often skipped. This is largely due to the assumption that any new contribution will only repeat what has already been said. People familiar with the platform recognize that the majority of readers will not scroll through many replies and will likely stop at the top few answers.
Why Skipping Answers Becomes a Habit
My usual approach is to skip questions with over 100 answers. I know, unless there’s a specific request for someone to share a personal experience or a unique perspective, my input won’t be valuable or noticed. For instance, someone might ask, "Can we see a sample of your handwriting or How does your voice sound?" These are personal and unique requests that gather fewer but often more engaging responses.
Rare Exceptions and Engaging with the Community
There are rare occasions when I do choose to answer questions with many existing replies. This typically happens when I'm unaware of the large number of existing answers or when a longtime, well-known follower specifically requests my input on a question I'm suited to answer. Even then, the experience often leaves me questioning the value of my contribution.
Therapeutic and Theratetic: Answering Questions for Non-Engagement
For some individuals, answering questions on Quora is more than just seeking engagement. Sometimes, answering a question can be a form of venting or releasing pent-up thoughts. It gives them a sense of catharsis, even if no one reads or upvotes their response. This kind of activity can provide a fleeting sense of relief, acting as a therapeutic release for the individual.
The Power of Notability: Why Famous Users Attract Attention
There's another factor at play: famous users who answer questions. Despite the question being answered multiple times with almost identical wording by others, these famous users often draw significant attention. Their responses tend to dominate the search results and receive the most upvotes. This phenomenon underscores the power of recognizability and the algorithmic prioritization of popular voices.
Is Your Time Precious?
Another point worth considering is the value of one's time. If your time on Quora isn't considered precious, then answering questions can be an enjoyable or entertaining diversion. It competes with other forms of entertainment or productivity, like playing Candy Crush. In the grand scheme of life, the time spent on such activities, while fulfilling in the moment, may not yield long-term benefits in terms of personal or professional growth.
Final Thoughts: The Right Forum for Your Time
Ultimately, whether you choose to answer questions on Quora depends on your priorities. If engaging with a large audience and building your presence on a platform like Quora is important to you, then it might be the right forum. However, if you believe that your time is a limited and valuable resource, then you might want to carefully consider your contributions and focus on areas where your time and efforts can have a more significant impact.
Remember, the internet is a vast and ever-evolving landscape. What works today might not work tomorrow. Staying updated with the latest trends and best practices is crucial for successful content creation and engagement.