The Science Behind Comment Disabling on Quora: A Necessity for Quality Knowledge Sharing

Why do so many contributors to Quora disable comments, even for questions as outlandish as they might be? This article explores the rationale behind this phenomenon, aligning with Quora's mission to grow and share the world's knowledge. We will delve into the reasons comments are disabled and how this aligns with Quora's value system and mission statement.

Quora’s Mission and the Disabling of Comments

Quora was founded with the ambitious mission to 'grow and share the world's knowledge'. This noble goal underscores the platform's commitment to fostering a space where users can genuinely contribute to the global knowledge base. However, maintaining this lofty mission comes with its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing comments and ensuring they enhance, rather than detract from, the quality of content.

When a contributor disables comments, it often means that they have assessed the comments on their post to the point where they are detrimental to the overall quality and usability of the post or discussion. This decision is made to preserve the integrity and clarity of the answers, ensuring that the answers themselves are not overshadowed by less productive dialogue. If a comment would detract from knowledge or make a knowledgeable user avoid Quora, it is in line with this mission to delete or disable such comments. This aligns with a broader argument against the unrestricted application of 'freedom of speech', especially in the context of online platforms. Freedom of speech, as enshrined in the US Constitution (First Amendment), is a legal framework that prevents governments from making laws that abridging freedom of speech. However, it does not bestow an unlimited right to free speech. Morally, free speech is a right when it is truthful and respectful, ensuring that discussions are productive and meaningful.

Profit Over Mission: The Shift in Quora’s Focus

It is true that Quora has experienced a deviation from its original mission, with profit now serving as its primary driving force. However, this shift does not necessarily imply a complete loss of its mission to share knowledge. The commercial aspect of Quora should be viewed in the context of the broader mission to create a sustainable platform that can continue to grow and facilitate knowledge sharing.

The question of whether Quora should become a “free-for-all” where all content is left open for discussion is an intriguing one. While such a move might increase traffic and engagement, it risks transforming the platform into a chaotic space filled with irrelevant or harmful content. This could alienate users who value the quality and reliability of the information provided, leading to a significant exodus of those who truly care about knowledge and meaningful discussions.

Reasons for Comment Disabling

The decision to disable comments on one's posts can be attributed to various reasons. One common reason cited by contributors is the presence of 'entitled twits' who make unfounded or disrespectful comments. Other contributors might disable comments to streamline the experience for themselves or their audience, ensuring a more focused and succinct flow of information.

Ultimately, the choice to enable or disable comments is a personal one, reflecting the individual contributor's preferences and the nature of the content they wish to share. No one is obligated to engage with the comments, and users are encouraged to contribute their own answers if they feel strongly about a particular topic. This aligns with Quora's approach to balancing user experience and the preservation of quality content.

Conclusion

Quora's policy of disabling comments, while sometimes controversial, is a necessary measure to uphold the platform's commitment to sharing knowledge and maintaining a conducive environment for meaningful discussions. Contributors have the autonomy to make this decision, reflecting their personal views and the nature of the content they wish to share. As Quora continues to evolve, it remains committed to its core mission, adapting to the needs of its diverse user base while ensuring the integrity and quality of its platform.