Are Top Question Writers Less Valuable Than Top Writers?

Top Question Writers (TQWs) and Top Writers (TWs) each play crucial roles in shaping the quality and utility of content on platforms like Quora. However, there is often a debate about whether TQWs are less valuable compared to TWs. In this article, we explore the value and importance of both TQWs and TWs in the context of content creation and community growth on Quora.

Understanding Top Question Writers (TQWs)

Top Question Writers are individuals who consistently generate high-quality, thought-provoking questions. There are more than 100 TQWs on Quora today, but it's important to note that this number represents a small cohort compared to the vast number of Top Writers, which number in the thousands.

Some notable TQWs include Archie D’Cruz and Viola Yee. These individuals not only create engaging questions but also contribute to the wealth of answers generated on Quora. The value of TQWs lies in their ability to stimulate meaningful conversations and discussions, which in turn contribute to the overall knowledge and insights shared on the platform.

Understanding Top Writers (TWs)

Top Writers are prolific contributors who consistently produce high-quality, insightful answers. These writers often have a significant following because their answers are valuable and engaging. Due to this visibility, many Quora users are more familiar with the names of Top Writers than those of Top Question Writers, as the name of the person who asks the question (Original Poster, OP) is often hidden in question logs.

The role of TQWs, despite their lesser visibility, is equally important. Quality questions are fundamental to the platform's value proposition, as they stimulate thoughtful discussions and ensure a rich and diverse pool of content. Many TQWs, like myself, actively ask questions to curate better content for their feeds and notifications. For instance, I have asked over 700 questions, mostly on topics such as India and Politics of India, to counteract the influx of troll questions and maintain a higher standard of discourse.

The Unseen Hand of TQWs

Creating quality questions is a challenging task that requires unbiased thoughtfulness and meticulous structuring. A well-crafted question can lead to meaningful discussions and valuable insights. However, the process of generating questions is different from providing answers. The creation of a high-quality question often involves a significant amount of time and effort, as the asker must ensure that the question is engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking.

Additionally, having a question answered requires additional effort as the asker must carefully select the most suitable people to A2A. This process can be challenging and time-consuming, further highlighting the value of TQWs.

On the other hand, answering questions, while crucial, can be less time-consuming and more straightforward. Top Writers, due to their prolific production of answers, often work harder than TQWs in terms of sheer volume. However, the variety and quality of their answers can significantly impact the platform's value.

The Balance Between Good Questions and Quality Answers

Both good questions and quality answers are essential for the growth and success of any QA platform. The balance between the two is crucial for maintaining a healthy and engaging community.

Good answers to troll questions must be recognized and valued, just as troll answers to good questions must be addressed. Both aspects contribute to the overall quality of the content on the platform. TQWs play a vital role in generating engaging questions, while TWs provide valuable insights and knowledge through their answers.

The juxtaposition of good questions and high-quality answers creates a balanced and engaging platform that fosters meaningful conversations and promotes learning and growth.

In conclusion, while Top Writers and Top Question Writers have different roles and responsibilities, both are invaluable to the success of Quora. TQWs, although perhaps less visible, are essential for generating thought-provoking questions that spark meaningful discussions, while TWs provide the valuable insights and knowledge that make Quora a valuable resource for its users.