The Ethics and Etiquette of Upvoting Answers You Requested on Quora

Introduction

Upvoting is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and engaging online community on platforms like Quora. However, the practice of upvoting answers you've requested may raise ethical and etiquette questions. This article explores the reasoning behind upvoting and the various perspectives on whether it is necessary or courteous. We'll also discuss Quora's etiquette guidelines and community psychology.

Why Upvoting Matters

Upvotes serve several functions within the Quora ecosystem. They reward quality content, help other users find valuable information, and motivate contributors. When a user provides an answer to your request, upvoting shows appreciation for their time, effort, and expertise. In some cases, a simple upvote can be the only positive feedback a contributor receives.

Personal Perspectives on Upvoting

From a Contributor’s Perspective

Some contributors feel that upvoting is a form of recognition and support. When you request an answer and the responder goes the extra mile to provide a well-researched and thoughtful response, it is reasonable to upvote even if you personally disagree with the content.

Note: Upvotes should be given based on the merit of the answer, not solely on the basis of a request.

From a Questioner’s Perspective

Some questioners feel that the upvoting process is not their primary responsibility. They may view it as a courtesy rather than a moral obligation. If the answer provided substantial value and aligned with their expectations, even a delayed upvote can be a sign of appreciation.

Quora Etiquette Guidelines

According to Quora's own guidelines, there is no strict requirement to upvote, and it is not necessarily tied to receiving a response. However, upvoting is encouraged as it helps maintain the quality of the platform. Quora suggests that users upvote answers they find worth supporting, regardless of whether they are direct requests from the questioner.

Community Psychology and Upvoting Behavior

The Psychology of Upvoting

From a psychological standpoint, upvoting is a powerful social signal. When a user upvotes an answer, they are reinforcing positive behavior and contributing to the reputation of the platform. This can create a beneficial community culture where contributors feel valued and motivated to continue providing high-quality responses.

Key Points:

Social Proof: Upvoting provides social validation and can encourage others to contribute positively. Community Motivation: It fosters a sense of community and mutual respect. Platform Health: A high upvote rate indicates a community that values and rewards quality content.

The Impact of Delayed Upvotes

Delayed upvotes can still be valuable, especially if the answer has substantial value. Sometimes, upvoting might take time due to checking a variety of answers. The key is to upvote the right answers, not to feel pressured into doing so immediately.

Debate and Perspective

Debaters in the Quora community may disagree on whether upvoting is essential. Some argue that upvoting is a personal choice, while others believe that it is a part of good etiquette. The debate highlights the complexity of online social dynamics and the varying perspectives that contribute to the health of the platform.

Conclusion

While there is no final decision on whether upvoting is a moral obligation, it is important to consider the impact on the community. Upvoting, when done thoughtfully and based on the quality of the answer, can have a significant positive effect. It is a gesture of support that can help maintain a vibrant and engaging online environment on Quora.

References

Robin Hubbard's answer to "Does a Quora answer with no upvotes imply a poor or invalid answer?" on Quora

Related Reading

Example of a Best Answer on Quora

Best Practices for Asking Questions on Quora

How to Improve Your Upvote Rate on Quora