Understanding Comment Policies on Quora

Quora, a popular knowledge-sharing platform, operates on a specific set of rules and philosophies that can sometimes be confusing for new and existing users. One common query is how to disable comments on your own questions. Unfortunately, Quora does not allow you to manage comments on questions in the same way you can manage comments on your answers. This article will explore why this is the case, the philosophy behind it, and some alternative solutions.

Why Can't You Disable Comments on Your Questions?

Quora's Approach to Question Ownership: According to the Quora Help Center, the questions posted on the platform are considered community property. This means that once a question is posted, it becomes the collective property of Quora users, not just the original poster. As a result, only the author of an answer can control comments on their own answers; they can disable, edit, or remove comments as they see fit. However, when it comes to questions, the individual who asked the question has no control over the comments that are left on it. The rationale behind this is intriguing. Quora aims to foster a vibrant, open, and collaborative community where everyone's input is valuable. By treating questions as community property, it encourages a broad and inclusive discussion.

The Philosophy Behind Community Property Questions

Why It’s Not Considered ’Stupid’

Managing discussions on the internet can be challenging. Quora's philosophy promotes inclusivity and avoids restrictions that might stifle open dialogue. Some users might argue that if you don't want to engage with any responses, you are essentially being a 'troll,' trying to make a point without engaging in a substantive conversation. The platform seeks to encourage genuine debate and exchange of ideas. By allowing anyone to comment on a question, it ensures that a wide range of perspectives can be shared, which enriches the discussion.

Reviewing Quora's Policies

For a comprehensive understanding of Quora's policies, it's best to review their official Help Center. The platform provides detailed guidelines on how to use the site effectively. Understanding these rules can help you navigate the platform more smoothly and engage in productive discussions.

Alternative Solutions

While you can't disable comments on your questions directly, there are other strategies you can employ to manage the discussions:

Blocking Specific Users

You can block specific users who are frequently making unwanted comments on your questions. When you block someone, they won't be able to comment on anything you post, including questions and answers. However, they can still post answers under your questions, though they won't be able to add comments under your questions.

Creating a Private Space

Another solution is to create a private Space on Quora. Only members of this Space will be able to comment on anything you post, including questions and answers. This can help you control the conversations more closely, as you can admit people who are likely to contribute positively to your discussions.

Conclusion

While Quora's policies might seem restrictive at first, they are designed to foster a diverse and collaborative community. If you find that certain comments are consistently disruptive, you can take steps to manage them through the platform's tools. Understanding the philosophy behind Quora's approach can help you navigate the platform more effectively and participate in meaningful discussions.

Footnotes

Note: The Quora Help Center provides detailed information on community rules and policies. Always refer to the official sources for the most up-to-date information.