The Dynamics of Answering Questions on Quora

The length of time it takes for a question on Quora to be answered can vary widely, from instantaneous to never. This variability is influenced by numerous factors, making the process both fascinating and unpredictable.

The Quora Volunteer System

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that Quora operates on a volunteer system. Every user who answers a question is a volunteer, dedicating their time and expertise to provide helpful responses. Given this structure, the time it takes to receive an answer can differ significantly from one question to another.

Initial Considerations

Many questions on Quora face immediate rejection, with automatic rejections occurring after 14 days if a question is not accepted. However, the timeframe can vary. Some QuoraSpaces decide whether to accept a submission within a day or two, while others set an automatic rejection period of 30 days.

Interest in the Question

An important factor is the level of interest in the question. Someone must have an interest in the topic to answer it. Ensuring your question is intriguing enough to catch the right audience's attention is crucial.

Optimizing Your Question for Maximum Exposure

To increase the chances of your question being answered promptly, it is advisable to write your question in such a way that it maximizes its distribution. Utilize the homepage feed to reach a broader audience.

When tagging questions, be strategic. Carefully select the topics to help cast a narrow or wide net based on the specificity of the topic. Narrower tags can help you reach the most relevant audience, improving the likelihood of getting a quick and accurate answer.

The topics you choose will populate the feed of users from Quora's 300 million worldwide active users who are most likely interested in the topic.

To submit your question to the right QuoraSpaces, use the 'a2a Request' feature. You can even use a search function to find and submit your question to other QuoraSpaces relevant to your question topic.

Selecting the Right Candidates to Answer

When selecting potential answerers, consider starting with the most specific topic and checking the profiles of users who have been active in the last year and have a higher average number of questions answered. Alternatively, begin with the 'ALL candidates' column, selecting those with multiple answers to the most relevant topic.

Though this process may seem tedious, a systematic approach is the most efficient way to find someone who can answer your question quickly and accurately. Different contributors have different habits and preferences when it comes to answering questions, which can range from immediate responses to thoughtful, in-depth answers over time.

Note: The process of answering a question on Quora does not follow strict guidelines. Top Quorans, who receive a large volume of questions, have the ability to prioritize their responses based on their mood and time availability. Some may answer as soon as they receive an A2A (Asking to Ask), while others may take more time to reflect and provide a thoughtful response.