Why Quorans Ask Questions with a Link That Answers Their Own
On the popular QA platform, Quora, it's not uncommon to come across questions followed by a provided link that seemingly answers the very question being asked. This phenomenon raises interesting questions about user behavior, motivations, and platform guidelines.
Understanding the User Behavior
When users on Quora include a link in their question, it can be driven by a variety of motivations. Here, we examine the possible reasons behind such behavior:
1. Spammer Intent
One of the most common reasons for including a link in a question is to direct readers to an external website. This could be a spammer's attempt to increase traffic to their site. These questions are often flagged as spam and may be removed by the platform moderation team.
Example:
ldquo;What is the best way to lose weight? Here's a diet plan I found on my website: ;
2. Lack of Awareness or Inexperience
Another possibility is that the user hasn't been paying attention to Quora's guidelines and isn't aware of the best practices for asking questions. This inexperience can lead to posting a question followed by a link that appears redundant. Sometimes, users don't know how to properly format their posts, leading to such errors.
Example:
ldquo;What is the capital of France? Here's an article on Quora: ;
3. Purposeful Questioning
In some cases, users intentionally ask questions with links provided to them. They may not be concerned about the platform's guidelines or simply don't care about proper formatting. This behavior can be seen as a challenge to the community standards or a non-traditional way of seeking information.
Example:
ldquo;Can you recommend a travel blog that covers European destinations? Here's a link I found: ;
Consequences and Guidelines
Quora has clear guidelines to ensure that the platform remains useful and informative. If a user includes a link in their question, it typically isn't in compliance with these guidelines. Users are encouraged to format their questions correctly and provide their answers within the body of the post itself.
Reporting Spam Questions
If you come across a question that includes a link and seems to be a form of spam, you can report it. The platform has a reporting system that allows users to flag suspicious activity. This helps the moderation team identify and remove harmful content.
Improving User Education
To reduce the instances of questions with embedded links, Quora can invest in user education. Providing clear instructions and tips on how to ask effective questions can go a long way in improving the user experience and maintaining the quality of the platform.
Best Practices for Asking Questions on Quora
Clearly state the question in the body of your post. Provide the answer or information within the post itself. Use the link for additional resources or examples, not the primary answer. Clearly separate your question and your answer.Conclusion
The practice of including a link in a question posted on Quora can stem from various motivations. While some may be driven by spam, others may simply be unaware of the platform's guidelines. Regardless of the reason, such behavior can negatively impact the user experience and the integrity of the platform. By understanding the motivations and implementing best practices, we can work towards a more effective and enjoyable QA community on Quora.