by AB-Joel on February 12th, 2007

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How do I write a good answer?

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Answers. 238 helpful answers below.

by AB-Joel on February 12th, 2007
Here are a few general things to keep in mind:

Be polite

Take your time and think it through

Good spelling and grammar help a lot!

Do not curse

Don't use all capital letters - people will think you're "yelling"

If it helps illustrate your point, include an image or a video

Don't just say "I don't know" or "If you do a search, you can find the answer" - It just isn't a very helpful answer, and oftentimes people are asking here because they've already tried to use a search engine and still couldn't find what they wanted.

Cite your sources - people are more likely to believe you if you can back up what you say. The best way to cite a source is to paste the link right into your answer

When giving a link to a page with the answer, also provide a summary the answer. This way, if the site you're linking to goes down, people on Answerbag will still get a good answer, not just a broken link

Stick to the facts - if you can cite specific facts, events, or your experience, your answer will appear more authoritative

Do not belittle the questioner. Everyone deserves an answer!

Be sure to look around at other good answers on Answerbag, and you'll get an idea pretty quickly of what people like to see in an answer, and what they don't!
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by Sno517 on April 5th, 2007
Make sure you get your answer across, and answer the whole question. Don't use abreviations, example, "u" for the word "you". Don't curse, and be polite, make sure your spelling and grammar is correct. Follow all these rules and you should have a great answer.
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by Annie Girl on April 7th, 2007
By being clear and providing facts or resource or personal experience that illustrates your answer.
I take almost all answers with much sincereity, however, I must admit that some questions are out of line and just do not deserve other than a humurous or snap answer...since the asking is that way.
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by mizcash on March 13th, 2007
your answer should concise, easily read, do not add personal feelings to an answer and all questions are important to the person that ask them.
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by LoggyBren on May 17th, 2008
Try to be wise without offending nationality, religion or race. Keep in mind that we are all human beings. The Golden Rule.
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by kingkong on March 13th, 2007
get more information about the subject do a ruff work how you will put your answers like and read it again again when you know its just might do tell someone to read it for you so that they can tell you what you have done wrong. write it from your heart and use yr mind well..
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by LoggyBren on May 17th, 2008
Try to be wise without being wise.
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by Universe Of Life on March 13th, 2007
When You Ask

Choose your forum carefully
Be sensitive in choosing where you ask your question. You are likely to be ignored, or written off as a loser, if you:

post your question to a forum where it's off topic

post a very elementary question to a forum where advanced technical questions are expected, or vice-versa

cross-post to too many different newsgroups

post a personal e-mail to somebody who is neither an acquaintance of yours nor personally responsible for solving your problem

Hackers blow off questions that are inappropriately targeted in order to try to protect their communications channels from being drowned in irrelevance. You don't want this to happen to you.

The first step, therefore, is to find the right forum. Again, Google and other Web-searching methods are your friend. Use them to find the project webpage most closely associated with the hardware or software giving you difficulties. Usually it will have links to a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) list, and to project mailing lists and their archives. These mailing lists are the final places to go for help, if your own efforts (including reading those FAQs you found) do not find you a solution. The project page may also describe a bug-reporting procedure, or have a link to one; if so, follow it.

Shooting off an e-mail to a person or forum which you are not familiar with is risky at best. For example, do not assume that the author of an informative webpage wants to be your free consultant. Do not make optimistic guesses about whether your question will be welcome — if you're unsure, send it elsewhere, or refrain from sending it at all.

When selecting a Web forum, newsgroup or mailing list, don't trust the name by itself too far; look for a FAQ or charter to verify your question is on-topic. Read some of the back traffic before posting so you'll get a feel for how things are done there. In fact, it's a very good idea to do a keyword search for words relating to your problem on the newsgroup or mailing list archives before you post. It may find you an answer, and if not it will help you formulate a better question.

Don't shotgun-blast all the available help channels at once, that's like yelling and irritates people. Step through them.

Know what your topic is! One of the classic mistakes is asking questions about the Unix or Windows programming interface in a forum devoted to a language or library or tool portable across both. If you don't understand why this is a blunder, you'd be best off not asking any questions at all until you get it.

In general, questions to a well-selected public forum are more likely to get useful answers than equivalent questions to a private one. There are multiple reasons for this. One is simply the size of the pool of potential respondents. Another is the size of the audience; hackers would rather answer questions that educate many people than questions serving only a few.

Understandably, skilled hackers and authors of popular software are already receiving more than their fair share of mis-targeted messages. By adding to the flood, you could in extreme cases even be the straw that breaks the camel's back — quite a few times, contributors to popular projects have withdrawn their support because collateral damage in the form of useless e-mail traffic to their personal accounts became unbearable.

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
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by toddjh01 on April 22nd, 2007
Don't use slang. Good Grammar
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by iwnit on June 7th, 2008
1) In short, a good answer is one that is relevant to the question, well researched and easy to read and understand.

2) I adapted the general tips of AB-Joel about "How do I write a good question?"
(I put in square brackets some parts that I have modified for answers, see also the discussion in the next point)
"General tips:
- Be polite
- Don't type in all-caps
- Try to sound objective
- Read your [answer] twice to make sure it means what you think it means
- Don't [answer by speaking] about your company or service
- [Answers] should be clear, concise, and should [provide] a specific response or piece of information.

Important: we may already have your answer! "
Source and further information:
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1417

3) In AB-Joel general rules about questions, the following items should be modified for answers:
- Keep it short; Usually a shorter [answer] gets better [appreciated] - if your [answer] is long or has too much personal detail, other people won't want to read it, or they'll get confused by the irrelevant details.
>>> My opinion: if you write a long answer, a short summary at the top should be given.
But you don't need to keep you answer short! Answerbag allows you to write long answers. Users who want to get more information will be able to read it. If you quote some sources, it makes also sense to quote the most important parts in your answer. After some months people reading your answer will still be able to find it, even if the source has disappeared.
But, of course, always give the link to the used source!!!

- Avoid [giving answers that apply] to only one person (this is not a chat room!)
>>> My opinion: if the asker is asking for help, give them help! This help could be further elaborated inside a discussion in the comment thread.

IMPORTANT: "we may already have your answer!". If the question has already been asked, you don't need to answer it; you can either:
- flag the question as a duplicate (in this case, check that the original question has already received a useful answer)
- give as answer a link to the original question (or one of its answers)

------- MODIFIED (added AB-specific answer at the top. The original answer follows) -----

This text was given on a forum for technical information. The situation on Answerbag is somewhat different, but some of those tips could still be helpful:

"How To Answer Questions in a Helpful Way
Be gentle. Problem-related stress can make people seem rude or stupid even when they're not.

Reply to a first offender off-line. There is no need of public humiliation for someone who may have made an honest mistake. A real newbie may not know how to search archives or where the FAQ is stored or posted.

If you don't know for sure, say so! A wrong but authoritative-sounding answer is worse than none at all. Don't point anyone down a wrong path simply because it's fun to sound like an expert. Be humble and honest; set a good example for both the querent and your peers.

If you can't help, don't hinder. Don't make jokes about procedures that could trash the user's setup — the poor sap might interpret these as instructions.

Ask probing questions to elicit more details. If you're good at this, the querent will learn something — and so might you. Try to turn the bad question into a good one; remember we were all newbies once.

While muttering RTFM is sometimes justified when replying to someone who is just a lazy slob, a pointer to documentation (even if it's just a suggestion to google for a key phrase) is better.

If you're going to answer the question at all, give good value. Don't suggest kludgy workarounds when somebody is using the wrong tool or approach. Suggest good tools. Reframe the question.

Help your community learn from the question. When you field a good question, ask yourself “How would the relevant documentation or FAQ have to change so that nobody has to answer this again?” Then send a patch to the document maintainer.

If you did research to answer the question, demonstrate your skills rather than writing as though you pulled the answer out of your butt. Answering one good question is like feeding a hungry person one meal, but teaching them research skills by example is showing them how to grow food for a lifetime."
Source and further information:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
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by bruceytom on July 9th, 2007
Honesty and sincerity are essential. Answers can be informational or persuasive.
Informational answers should present facts or opinions based on fact. Be specific. Explaining WHY something is true or useful will help readers remember and apply the information.
Perusasive answers can also be good. It helps to truly believe that your position is helpful. Before publishing, it's good to ask "Why do i believe this? What is my evidence? Will my response really help others?"
Letting go of ego serves everyone. Respectful disagreement aids the investigative process. Try to neither give nor take offense.
Controversial answers can also be useful. This is especially true if the intent is not to cause controversy, but to explore a different or unpopular aspect of a common question.
Try to build up and not tear down. Question others' opinions, but allow them the dignity of keeping them. After all, the site isn't called Punchingbag.
Know when to be serious and when to use humor. Both have their place.
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by betony24.rei-chan on April 25th, 2007
You should always say what you think is that best but not too perfect. Use the best grammar the you have and everything will be fine, mostly that is.
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by Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin on January 20th, 2008
Do exactly the opposite of me.
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by Mr. Josh on October 28th, 2007
put some thought into it.
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by shrestha13 on June 30th, 2007
To write the good answer read the question carefuly and you should understand that what is the question is related with then go throughly
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by purrrmeowww on June 7th, 2007
be up front honest in what you say and belive .do not judge others, picture your self in that situaton before you exespress your self
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by AIR_INDIA_says_Wass_Up on July 22nd, 2009
just write what the heart says and is in mind , the answer will be always good :)
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by Rahbar on January 15th, 2009
Learn from the AB members by observing their answers!
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by kikiboss07 on January 10th, 2009
To write a good answer, understand the question & manner or context in which it was asked. Many people tend to create their own question when answering because they did not like how the question was asked or phrased.

Respond in a manner that best meets the question dead on, by this I mean answer only within the boundaries of what was asked.

Finally, you can give examples that are relevant to the subject matter, try examples that everyone knows.
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by ME TO YOU on June 11th, 2008
helpful.
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by Jed Merrill on June 7th, 2008
If you write your answers the same way you write your questions, you'll be fine!
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by candydancer18 on June 3rd, 2008
Here are a few general things to keep in mind:

Be polite

Take your time and think it through

Good spelling and grammar help a lot!

Do not curse

Don't use all capital letters - people will think you're "yelling"

If it helps illustrate your point, include an image or a video

Don't just say "I don't know" or "If you do a search, you can find the answer" - It just isn't a very helpful answer, and oftentimes people are asking here because they've already tried to use a search engine and still couldn't find what they wanted.

Cite your sources - people are more likely to believe you if you can back up what you say. The best way to cite a source is to paste the link right into your answer

When giving a link to a page with the answer, also provide a summary the answer. This way, if the site you're linking to goes down, people on Answerbag will still get a good answer, not just a broken link

Stick to the facts - if you can cite specific facts, events, or your experience, your answer will appear more authoritative

Do not belittle the questioner. Everyone deserves an answer!

Be sure to look around at other good answers on Answerbag, and you'll get an idea pretty quickly of what people like to see in an answer, and what they don't!
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by capiz blog on April 1st, 2008
Don't provoke any untoward incidents in the pages that you give answers also and try to be specific and short as much as possible to avoid the asking party from loosing interest in your answer. Make every answer very relevant and straightforward but polite and courteous.
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by Singingismystyle on March 18th, 2008
There's not really a good answer. I think as long as it comes from your heart, then it will be the right answer.
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by Anonymous on February 28th, 2008
Try sitting on the floor in front of a couch/chair
and slowly bend backwards. Doing this off and on
usually helps.
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by leslie on January 20th, 2008
Yes, I definitely think this has alot to do with it. Water used to replace displaced oil is not the same viscosity as oil.Eg.: I wouldn't use water to ease my engines heat and wear and tear. It is a known fact that tectonic plates move and the world shifts slightly.I would think that water is not a good substitue for injecting into the oil well as the oil rises to the top.
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by ejojon on December 14th, 2007
Remember, there are no stupid answers if you are convinced it is right
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by noise - treble and siege on October 28th, 2007
http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/384185
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by Anonymous on September 5th, 2007
Think about it for ttwo minutes or so then decide what you want to say but remember think and say about what the topic is or else less points no goal acheived.... Do you want that? I dont think so, so yeah! :P See you guys later!!!
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by Perryman on December 6th, 2009
Always be polite.
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by zeeman on August 13th, 2009
think about the question, decide on your answer, and type it
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by Spacys back on July 28th, 2009
wait for a good question!
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by -Icy- on July 5th, 2009
you should know the subject, think out your answer, check your grammar and go for it.
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by bennybear on June 30th, 2009
Well initially, restrict yourself to answering questions about which you have something genuine to offer. Too often, people will do a search on internet and provide links or answers from third party which - whilst sometimes efficient - can never ever replace a true or honest opinion.

Read the question very carefully, some questioners don't understand English too well, and others perhaps learned English in a different area to yourself, you may well understand peoples' meanings as they intended you to.

Use plain English. Abbreviations R NOT 4 me IMHO m8.

Finally, try not to be lazy. Often I start to answer a question, and find that in order to explain properly some extra work may be involved. Including pictures (or links to them) might help explain more - so get a nice Dropbox account. (For example, how to copy a CD or DVD to ISO - http://files.getdropbox.com/u/446031/copy%20to%20iso.jpg is a good start).

Pictures make life interesting.
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by Anonymous on June 23rd, 2009
for as myself i'm a registered sex offender convicted in florida 12 years ago on a non-violent sex charge. i'm not trying to deny what happened but every offender should not be labelled in the same box.some are really trying to have a life again. i've paid my dues but i do not believe i should have to keep paying forever.it's not easy trying to put yourself back in this game called life.
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by Not Telling on June 16th, 2009
Ok, this is how you write a god answer.

Just be you! Like, if you want your answer to be obnoxious and funny, let it be! You don't have to be all proper and what not. But, if you want it to be proper, like me, ok then! That's ok to! Just be yourself when you're writing! That's what makes you words...

YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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by Sharona Life is a Tale Told by an Idiot on June 4th, 2009
Well, you sure wrote a good question, look at all the points your racked up!
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by happy friday on May 29th, 2009
give good info and be funny at the same time
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by Timjon on May 21st, 2009
One word at a time.
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by lucas6 on May 21st, 2009
How do you write a good question
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by Ronaldo on April 10th, 2009
Think........Think.......Think....and then write......clearly.........
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by khakey on April 10th, 2009
by answering the question directly
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by rod 2096 on April 4th, 2009
you write a good answer with your heart not your mind
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by Mrs. Basshunter on April 2nd, 2009
Well, in my personal opinon it helps to know true information and use good grammar and spelling, be nice to others, and please don't curse. Captilization is always a good trait. And if you do not know information for sure, don't post it! Hope I Helped!
-Love Oie
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by Anonymous on March 25th, 2009
IN MY VIEW GOOD ANSWERS SHOULD BE PRECISE AND EFECTIVE
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by taha20 on March 12th, 2009
BY UNDERSTANDING THE QUESTION WELL
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by KASHIF ABBAS on March 11th, 2009
first u know about the question subject then u will be able to give great & perfect answer.
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by dheene54 on March 10th, 2009
Try to answer based on your own experiences
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by Sexyrabbit on March 4th, 2009
Think you need to type a good answer..:)
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by BlackTomcat on March 3rd, 2009
Well, it's a bit of a literary endeavour. Since you're not giving a timed exam, don't hurry. Check your personal memory databank and gather the information. Review all memories about you or others in the given (question topic) circumstances. Remember all you can. Then, start composing. Try writing elegant, explanatory, well argumented phrases. Don't be afraid to use examples and quotes, punctuation marks and as many sentences as you need. After all, you want to enlighten the person. Share all that you think it might be relevant, helpfull, or even related. Be afraid of giviong a tho half-word answer like... "f** , no". That doesn't help, the person will want to ask the why and how. After these, put down your honest opinion. Don-t be afraid if you're 12 or 75, people will judge regardless and remain with their prejudice. But the one asking might be grateful. Oh, do not ornate or curtain the truth. The asker needs it. That's why he/she is here. To get the awful truth, not some friendly pat on the back. With these all done, satisfied that you shared all you could, revise the grammar, the literary aspect of your phrases, the harmony of your answer. Beauty matters. Rewrite, change, add. Do not reduce. Again, take your time. When it all pleases you, select the whole text you just wrote and hit the "ctrl-C" key combo. Something wrong might happen' and you are not a computer to remember all the answer in the exact same order, so copy it. Then... submit it. Tkanks will be coming your way.
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