Originally Posted by
jjohnson4
I want to know if anyone else agrees with my way of thinking in regard to asking and answering questions on the internet.
I have tried to find answers to problems I've had and try to ask questions on forums to get some advice, opinions, or possibly even a solution. The problem is, I have never received GOOD advice that makes asking my question(s) worth it. Not only that, but when I read other user's questions and answers I always see the same trend. The trend people have in answering questions is to either bad mouth the person asking the question, give obvious advice, or put their personal opinions regarding the matter.
Question about chewing tobacco? You'll get at least 5 answers from people calling chewing tobacco gross, telling you you're stupid for chewing tobacco, or try to convince you to quit chewing tobacco. Unless the question specifically inquires about trying to quit chewing tobacco, why would someone think it is appropriate to include information about quitting the habit. If there is a question about a sore in someone's mouth and they add that they happen to chew tobacco, it does not mean that they need motherly advice.
I posted a question on the men's health forum the other day even though I knew I probably would not receive beneficial information. I could not have been more correct as the first answer to my question called me a fool and told me to "stop playing doctor" and let my doctor do his job. The user was "Frank" something and his post made me think he was intoxicated when he wrote it because it made absolutely no sense. He repeated his words twice and never addressed a single question I actually had. In my post I specifically said that I tried to fix my medical issue myself and realized it was stupid and then went to the doctor. Why would I need someone to tell me something I already stated? Or why would I appreciate someone calling me a fool who does not even know me?
Not only that, but I asked the question because the doctor was baffled by my situation and I wanted any opinions (which I stated) or any relatable stories that could help me try and understand what I was experiencing. Then, the next answers were about how the first answer was right and going on about advice that if they actually read my post, would have realized I had tried.
Does anyone else think that it is inappropriate to answer someone's question with an answer that does not help? I would think every sane person would agree, but clearly there is a trend that shows otherwise. The worst answer I received was from the frank user who had an "expert" tag on his profile and did not seem the least bit intelligent on any field of study when I looked over his past posts.