Answering Questions
Answering questions is the primary way that contributors help each other on WikiAnswers. It's the sharing of knowledge and it's easy to do.
There are a few ways to answer a question or edit an existing answer. When you're on the question page, click on the links to Answer or Improve Answer. If the question already has an answer, try to work your answer into the current answer. For editing tips, see this Editing guide.
You may also add a headline by clicking Style on the editing toolbar above the answer box and selecting one of the headline styles. To save your changes, click Post this Answer.
Writing Good Answers
Answers should be to the point and should directly address the questions being asked. They should consist of complete sentences and extend beyond simple one-word answers such as "yes" and "no." When writing your answer, make sure to check for clarity, proper spelling and grammar, and limit the use of slang, abbreviations and instant messaging-type style. Here are some additional suggestions and pointers for writing good answers:
- Avoid offensive language, insults, debates and personal references (where possible). Personal references include residential, business and cell phone numbers and addresses.
- Advertisements and related spam are not allowed within answers and will be removed immediately. Please limit commercial sales pitches and links to your Bio Page — which is your personal space on WikiAnswers. That is where we encourage the posting of your websites, logos, product information and so on.
- Answering a question with a question is strongly discouraged. We've found that allowing follow-up questions turns question pages into discussion threads. Instead of asking a follow-up question, ask a new question — or use the discussion page to clarify/expand on the original question.
The Skinny on Signing Answers
WikiAnswers is a Q&A community where answers are grown collaboratively. Unlike other Q&A sites, we are based on the wiki concept, which means that anyone from anywhere has the ability to edit and modify existing posts. There is no ownership of answers (unless the question is asking for opinions), so signing answers is discouraged.
What we are aiming for, where possible, is one really great answer for each question that is collaboratively created by the community over time. And, ideally, we want one answer with a neutral point of view.
Bottom line: feel free to delete any personal comments, notes and contact info from answers, including things like "Hope this helps!"
Example of the wrong way:
Example of the right way:
Adding Links to Other Websites
To add a link to another website, click Edit Links located on the left. Links should only be to articles, sites, blog posts and information sources that directly answer the questions being asked. Please do not link to anything commercial unless it is directly related to answering a question.
