Understanding Quora's Timestamping System: Why All Questions and Answers Aren't Date-Timestamped

Introduction

Navigating through the vast array of questions and answers on Quora can sometimes feel like traveling through time. One common question that arises is why Quora doesn't date all questions and answers with the exact timestamp. While it's true that dates are present, they are sometimes not immediately obvious. Let's unravel the intricacies of Quora's timestamping system and how to locate these dates.

Quora's Timestamping System Explained

Contrary to what some might believe, every piece of content on Quora carries a timestamp. The system is designed to provide users with as much context as possible without overwhelming them. However, the year is sometimes omitted to align with the platform's philosophy of content being evergreen and reusable.

Timestamps for Current Year Posts: For questions and answers posted in the current year, Quora typically doesn't include the full year. This approach helps keep the interface clean and uncluttered. Timestamps for Older Posts: For posts from previous years, Quora presents the full date, including the year. This provides users with a comprehensive understanding of when the content was written. Key Examples: Answered Just Now Answered 1 Min Ago Answered 34m Ago Answered 5h Ago Answered 13h Ago Answered Sun Answered Thu Answered Nov 3 Answered Oct 17 2020 Answered May 25 2009

How to Locate the Actual Posting Date

While the system is designed to be user-friendly, finding the exact posting date of a question or answer can be a bit more work. Here are some tips on how to locate the original name and date:

View Question Details: To find the exact date a question or answer was posted, use the ellipsis menu (three dots) near the top of the page. Select “View question details” or “View stats and log,” depending on the platform version. Answer Wording: The wording at the beginning of an answer can provide clues about the date. On the iOS platform, the date is usually right below the writer's name. This is especially useful for older posts where the timestamp is not immediately obvious. Feed Activity: When you answer questions in your feed, the timestamp can be crucial for context. For example, a question about a person being pregnant might seem relevant today, but if the question is from 2014, the context has changed significantly. Knowing the date of the answer can provide the necessary context.

Conclusion

Quora's timestamping system is designed to provide context without overwhelming users. While the year is sometimes omitted for current content, the full date is available for older posts. Understanding how to locate these dates allows users to engage more effectively with the platform, ensuring that the content is relevant and useful.