Understanding Why Quora Comments Get Collapsed Despite Being Benign and Legible

Quora, the popular QA platform, is known for fostering a community where users can share and exchange information. However, there’s a common confusion about why some comments are automatically collapsed, even when they are well-written and not offensive. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind comment collapses and how to avoid them.

What Causes Quora Comments to Get Collapsed?

Comments on Quora can get collapsed for several reasons. Let's break down each reason to better understand this phenomenon.

1. Automatic Collapses

Comments are more likely to get automatically collapsed if they are: Less than a full sentence Lack capitalization and punctuation These auto-collapses are designed to optimize the visual space on the page, keeping the user experience fluid and uncluttered.

For example, if a comment contains less than a single sentence or has improper formatting, Quora's system may interpret it as less valuable and thus collapse it.

2. Downvotes and Reporting

Comments can also be manually collapsed through downvotes and reports from other users. Even if a comment is not offensive or off-topic, it may be downvoted based on the content or writing style. Once a comment is downvoted enough times, it will collapse, and the author can restore it through upvotes or edits.

For instance, if a comment is flagged by multiple users as being incorrect or poorly written, it may trigger a collapse. Conversely, if the comment is of high quality and gains upvotes, it can be restored.

3. User Awareness and Etiquette

Comments are often seen as a side dish to the main course, which is the answer. As such, they can be deleted or modified by the answer writer at any time, making them a transient part of the conversation. Commenters should be aware of this and avoid treating comments as a permanent record.

If someone makes a good point in a comment, it might be more constructive to suggest they expand it into a separate answer. This way, the information becomes more easily accessible to other readers.

4. User Disagreement

Even when comments are legitimate and not offensive, they might still be collapsed based on the opinions of other Quorans. If someone disagrees with a comment, they might hit the downvote button, leading to the comment’s collapse.

The downvote system on Quora reflects the collective opinion of the community. If a majority finds the content disagreeable, even if it is not offensive or off-topic, the comment may be collapsed.

Conclusion

Understanding why Quora comments get collapsed, despite being well-formed and non-offensive, is crucial for engaging effectively on the platform. By following best practices and recognizing the reasons behind automatic and user-induced collapses, you can contribute more meaningfully to discussions on Quora.

Additional Advice

1. **Write with Clarity and Detail**: Ensure your comments are at least a full sentence and properly formatted with capitalization and punctuation. 2. **Consider the Downvote System**: Be mindful that comments can be downvoted, even if they are well-intentioned. Aim to make your points clear and respectful. 3. **Emphasize Long-Form Content**: If your comment is short, consider expanding it into a separate answer where it can be better organized and referenced. 4. **Comment Constructively**: Keep in mind that each comment is part of a broader conversation, and it should add value to the discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can comments be restored once collapsed?

Yes, comments can typically be restored through upvotes or edits. Once enough users upvote the comment, it will reappear.

Are there any ways to avoid my comments from getting collapsed?

Writing well-capitalized, well-punctuated comments that are at least a full sentence long can help minimize the risk of automatic collapse. Additionally, engaging with the community and following their feedback can help avoid downvotes.

Can Quora moderators collapse comments?

Yes, moderators have the authority to collapse comments if they violate Quora’s policies. However, users usually trigger collapses through downvotes or reports.