Why Am I Receiving 'A2A' Questions That Have Been Previously Answered?

This article explores the reasons behind receiving 'A2A' (Ask to Answer) questions on platforms like Quora, where the same query has already been answered many times before. We'll delve into the motivations behind such behavior and provide insights into the Quora ecosystem.

Understanding the Motivations Behind 'A2A' Questions

There are several reasons why someone might continue to ask questions that have already been answered. Some individuals may do it to build their reputation or status within the community. Folks seeking to increase their number of answers to a specific question may be engaging in a vanity-driven activity.

Reason 1: Seeking Multiple Opinions

One of the primary reasons is that questions on platforms like Quora often don't have a single, definitive answer. For example, the query "How many cards should I put in my Magic The Gathering deck?" doesn't have a clear-cut solution. Instead, the individual posting the question wants to gather different opinions to inform their decision or understanding.

Reason 2: Boosting Question Views

Another reason might be more selfish in nature. When someone receives an answer request, they might think, "Hey, that worked! Let's see if I can get more people to look at this question."

Personal Opinion: My personal view is that some members are lazy. Why take just a few seconds to do a simple Google search when someone is willing to do the work for them? I always look at the identity of the member before answering. This year, I've noticed a significant decrease in geographical questions related to India. This could be linked to reports of Indian educational establishments encouraging or even forcing students to share answers or use essay writers.

The Role of Motivation and Laziness

People who are new to the site may not have the time or energy to dig through the vast number of questions and answers already present. They might simply not find a satisfactory answer to their query, leading them to ask a similar question again or seek better answers. Similarly, old-fashioned pre-internet students like me, who oppose academic dishonesty, support the fight against cheating in educational settings.

Quora’s Ecosystem and the Quora Partner Program

As of 2023, the Quora Partner Program has ended, and answer requests are no longer monetized for anyone. This means that the primary incentive for receiving answer requests is no longer financial. However, there are still several reasons why you might be receiving these requests:

Aggressive Marketing

Quora has decided to market itself more aggressively. This marketing strategy relies on continuously refreshing question views to keep the interest alive. The easiest way to achieve this is by continuing to request answers. The Quora Partner Program would sometimes directly incentivize requesting answers for certain older questions to maintain the engagement.

Organic Engagement

Sometimes, a user posts a question that hasn't been thoroughly addressed, leading to it being merged with a previous, similar question after multiple answer requests. Other times, someone might see your profile and think you could write a better answer, especially if you have a following. This explains why you might receive requests for questions that seem outdated or previously answered.

Conclusion

While it can be frustrating to receive 'A2A' questions that have been answered before, understanding the motivations behind such behavior can help you manage your time more effectively. Whether a member is seeking multiple opinions, boosting question views, or simply lazy, it's important to consider the source and the potential value before responding.

Keywords: A2A questions, Quora, Answer requests