I'll answer most of the time either way, but I won't lie, I have some users on my -shall we call it- "grey" list? ; )

Why do points matter?

If I find that they have a 0% +feedback given and a lack of comments, even when they have asked a ton of questions, then I will not answer their questions. That's a bit extreme, but I have seen that happen.

Most of the time, I just answer the question if I find it interesting and don't sweat the points or comments. Luckily, most people do comment and award points.

There are also some people who asked a lot of good questions that still get responses that are no longer around, so they obviously don't comment/rate. I still answer their questions though.

The answer may still be helpful to someone in the future. I find myself answering a lot of science related questions that were asked years ago, and the asker has been long gone. They rarely ever get points.
I usually have fun answering the question, and I learn something at the same time.
I have let this bother me before, with users that ARE still here, but, I guess it is just something we have to deal with. No worries, keep on answering your heart out, your good deeds will be appreciated in time.

E)Other...I don't know what to think. I answered a question last night and the questioner never commented but left a comment to the other person who answered..the other person answered after me because I looked at the time. I'm taking that as the questioner is telling me not to answer their questions anymore...maybe I'm wrong..I don't know.

Usually If I find the question interesting I will answer anyway.
Sometimes I do feel that continuing to give these people loads of points as the answerers do, knowing that the people do not even bother to read the answers is poor form.

Although I am quite happy to bring back old questions from departed users knowing that the person is no longer with us to rate the answers. That is a different situation entirely.. I have thought that maybe if a person does not bother with reading ,rating or commenting it is best to answer hoping it will help somebody else but forgo giving points to the question.
I have not reached that point yet.

C)Blacklist.

I'm sorry that you dont have any time to award me points for solve your question, but I will blacklist you. Frankly, I think that the person who don't even leave a comment or points is being rude. I think that at least a comment should be deserved. Questions takes up my time and answering them takes up my time.

If you don't award me points, I won't either. It's as simple as that. That's the truth and that's what I believe in. It's my opinion.

E.
Some people aren't here to play the "points" game; they either want to learn something, or to teach something, or express their opinion on a particular topic, or offer advise to someone in need, or simply to get a chuckle at the inanity of some questions and/or answers.

It doesn't matter (well, it does a LITTLE) to me if I get points. D. If I can answer a question, either seriously or humorously, I will answer it. I have over 38 PAGES (75 each) of questions I've answered with exactly ZERO points. Does it sound like I care that much!??! LOL

I look at it like this... If it's not helping that particular user (maybe also they're new to the site, and don't really know about the ratings), I'm helping AB build it's database of validly answered questions by answering, I'm helping anyone else who may have had the same question, and someone, somewhere, sometime will give the answer points.

But, I tend to consider points "gravy", and the FUN of AB is helping people, answering serious and funny questions seriously and humorously, the "great answer"s I get, and the short (or long) chats with friends I've met here.

I say the best policy here is to answer questions you feel you can be helpful with. Never question why so and so was stingy because that will not help. There are many wonderful people here who will thank you as well as reward you for your time. When I find someone who does not seem to care if they get any answers I stop answering their questions. I am mainly here to help others the points are a pat on the back the comments give me a warm and close feeling and with all the good i get from this place I don't allow the little bit of bad to ruin my experience.