Is Quora Primarily a QA Site or a Discussion Forum?

The Qu in Quora stands for questions. The A in Quora stands for answers. None of the letters stand for discussion. Quora's policy is that in the main product, answer authors decide what level of discussion they will allow. This means that while anyone can add a second answer if they feel they have more to add or want to contradict what’s already been posted, Quora is designed primarily as a platform for questions and answers, rather than a discussion forum.

Quora: Question or Answer Site?

Despite its casual use, Quora is fundamentally a question and answer (QA) site. While comments can sometimes turn into debates, this is not the intended use of the platform. In fact, comments are often seen as disposable and inessential content. Answer-writers have the power to delete any comment for no given reason, with no justification required, and no standing to demand any protection for their comments.

Understanding Quora’s Purpose

Quora is designed to be a platform for writng, answering, and sharing views and comments. The platform features a memes corner where users can post screenshots, and it serves as a ground to share knowledge. However, the core purpose of Quora is to provide a space for QA, with incidental discussions as a byproduct rather than the primary function.

Quora as a Source for Content

One of the ways I use Quora is as a source for questions to answer, which I then use as a roadmap or guide to create my YouTube videos. This is based on a strategy known as the ASQ (Answer Specific Questions) method, as described by Sean Cannel from Think Media. By answering specific questions on Quora, I can develop the content for my videos, even linking Quora and YouTube accounts to enhance the cross-promotion and engagement.

For example, the majority of the questions I ask on Quora are centered around serving the knitting community. People's answers can provide me with ideas for specific knitting or crocheting projects, enabling me to produce more targeted and engaging video content. Additionally, I can use the insights and discussions from these questions to foster more in-depth conversations and learning experiences for both my video audience and Quora users.

A Recap of Quora's Design

Quora is explicitly designed as a QA site, with discussions as an ancillary feature. For those who do not need or appreciate the discussion aspect, it remains a straightforward QA platform. The platform allows for discussions, but they are not the core focus and are not something that all Quora users desire or engage in.

Conclusion

In summary, while Quora does allow for discussions, it is primarily and explicitly a question and answer (QA) site. The core purpose of the platform is to provide a space for users to ask questions, receive answers, and share knowledge. If discussions become too frequent or disruptive, answer-writers have the ability to control them, as evidenced by the ease with which comments can be deleted. The design of Quora inherently prioritizes the QA aspect, making it a valuable tool for content creation and knowledge sharing.