How to Submit a Question on Yahoo Answers: A Guide for Archiving Information

It's important to note that Yahoo Answers, a popular QA platform, was officially decommissioned in 2021. However, for historical and archival purposes, understanding how to submit a question on Yahoo Answers can still be beneficial.

Overview of Yahoo Answers

Yahoo Answers, a site designed to allow users to ask and answer questions on various topics, was one of the internet's most expansive QA platforms. However, changes in technology and user engagement led the company to shut down the service in 2021. Despite its closure, understanding how to make the most of the platform before it was decommissioned can provide valuable insights into user interaction and content curation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Question on Yahoo Answers

1. Logging in on Desktop or Mobile

To submit a question on Yahoo Answers, you first need to have a Yahoo account. If you do not have one, you can create a new account by visiting the Yahoo Answers homepage and clicking on 'Sign Up' or 'Join Now.'

Once logged in:

On the right side of the homepage, you should see a box inviting you to 'Ask a Question.' Type in your question into this box. Note that you cannot categorize your question until it is posted. Alternatively, you can access the 'Answers' section through the dropdown menu in the upper left-hand corner. Click on 'Answers' and then 'Ask'. Enter your question in the box provided, and click 'Submit.'

For users with an Android phone, the process is slightly different. Use the dropdown menu in the upper left-hand corner to find 'Answers' and click on it. From there, find 'Ask' at the top and click on the link. Enter your question in the box and press 'Submit'. Note that this will cost you 5 points.

2. Posting Your Question

To submit your question on Yahoo Answers, simply follow the steps below:

Go to the Yahoo Answers homepage. Ensure you are logged in and there is an option on the right-hand side to ask a question. Click on 'Ask' in the upper left-hand menu to find the 'Ask' option and click on the link. Type your question into the box at the upper right and click 'Submit'. Do not worry if you cannot categorize it at this point; users can often help you refine your question once it is posted. Ensure that your question is properly formatted and clear to avoid confusion or unhelpful answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Yahoo Answers

Here are some common questions and answers related to the Yahoo Answers platform:

Q: Why was Yahoo Answers closed?

A: Yahoo closed Yahoo Answers in 2021 due to declining user engagement and traffic. The service was considered outdated and was unable to compete with more modern QA platforms.

Q: What was the cost of asking a question on Yahoo Answers?

A: As of the time of its closure, asking a question on Yahoo Answers required a small cost of 5 points. This fee was aimed at encouraging more considered and focused questions and reducing the number of spam or low-quality inquiries.

Q: How could I find answers to my questions on Yahoo Answers?

A: Users on Yahoo Answers were very active in providing assistance. Typically, once a question was posted, multiple users could provide answers, and users could upvote the most helpful responses. The community was a key aspect of Yahoo Answers, and users often engaged in vigorous discussions to find the best answers to complex questions.

Conclusion

Despite Yahoo Answers no longer being active, understanding its structure and functionality can provide a historical context for how QA platforms operated. For those who are interested in the evolution of such platforms, or those wanting to explore older internet cultures and practices, this information can be invaluable.

References

[1] Yahoo. (2021). Yahoo Answers.

[2] Bhaskaran, R. (2021). Yahoo retains downtime for Answers, but says it will roll out new changes in the coming months.