The Quora Answering Mystery: Do Quora Users Answer Un-requested Questions?
Quora, a platform that has grown into a vast network of knowledge and expertise, often leaves its users in a quandary. The ubiquitous 'Who will answer my questions if I don't send requests for answers?' is a common concern among users. Let's explore this mystery further to understand how Quora functions and if un-requested questions have a chance of being answered.
The Basics of Answer Requests
When you post a question on Quora, you have the option to send out answer requests to a select group of users, up to 25. These suggestions are based on users who are known for having interests in the same or similar topics. But, there's an interesting twist: sometimes, the best answers come from where you least expect them.
Why Un-requested Questions Get Answers
Answer requests do serve a purpose, but they are not a guarantee of a response. In fact, many users find that their questions are answered without needing to send any requests at all. Quora's algorithm distributes questions based on the topics that best describe the question. When you post, you are asked to choose the topics that most accurately reflect your query. Quora then sends your question to people who write in those topics.
Community Property and Question Distribution
Questions on Quora are community property, meaning they belong to everyone. If you skip the request answers step, the question can still end up in someone's feed. Over time, the method of targeting questions to specific individuals has indeed changed. For instance, prior to 2013, Answer Requests were a premium feature where users had to earn credits by their activity and then spend them for A2A (Ask To Answer) requests. This was later phased out to make the process more equitable.
Historical Context of Quora's Workflow
Beyond 2013, as Quora began to incorporate more commercial elements, including ads and its “program,” the workflow for submitting questions also changed significantly. The process now often involves the request answers step as part of the question asking procedure. However, this does not necessarily mean that the question will only be seen by those who receive the requests. Over time, the algorithm has evolved to ensure that every question gets the attention it needs, regardless of the request status.
Personal Experiences and Observations
Users like me have firsthand experiences that support this view. I have seen numerous questions that were answered without the need for any answer requests. Some of these answers were far more insightful and engaging than those from specifically requested individuals. What is fascinating is that sometimes, the answers come from people who are not even on the suggested list, simply because the question appeared in their feed and struck a chord.
Why Questions Get Served to the Right People
The question served to the right people can happen for several reasons. For one, you follow a particular topic, which makes you more likely to see such questions. In my case, I follow the 'quora' topic and have answered numerous questions on it. This means that when a question related to Quora appears, it is more likely to end up in my feed. In addition, actively engaging with the community by answering questions also increases the likelihood that your questions will be seen and answered, whether or not you send specific answer requests.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to 'Who will answer my questions if I don#39;t send requests for answers' is: anyone. Quora's algorithm ensures that the right people see your questions, regardless of whether you request specific individuals or not. While the answer requests can help, they are not a guarantee, and many times, questions get the best answers from unexpected sources. So, the next time you have a question to post, consider what topics it falls under and enjoy the journey as Quora answers your questions in its own unique way.