Have you ever put a lot effort into a question just knowing that this is your best answer and you see the question went to voting?  Silly questions OK but when the answer is about someone's relationship or health or something serious they should at least take the time to pick best answer themselves.  No?
121631
I am guilty of that myself.  Not every time but sometimes. They makeyou wait 24 hours, that is the problem.  Sometimes, 24 hours later I might be very busy working and that answer ge de-prioritized.
360966
I hate it more when you have chosen a best answer and they delete your question. I rather have it be deleted before it was ever put on here so people could answer.
88253
I've been on here about 3 weeks, mostly answering questions. I've answered all types of questions from the serious to the seriously stupid, to the ones that made me laugh out loud. I enjoy the clever joke questions far more than I enjoy the continuously regurgitated "How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?" questions.\n\nI admire your test of the system too. I was wondering myself whether people only answer silly questions and ignore the more serious ones. So far I've only asked two question, both were basically the same question and both were serious questions. I've had exactly one response to each of the questions and one of the answers wasn't particularly nice either.\n\nMaybe I'm going about it all wrong. Maybe I should be asking if dancing nude in a store window would be an appropriate way to earn money for breast cancer?\n\nAnd yes, I think josh should be reinstated.
26073
Please pick a best answer when you ask a question
532932
Don't worry yourself about any one getting upset over whose answer that  you choose as the best answer.  After all the choice is yours and not theirs.  When i answer a question i don't even think about who is going to be chosen.
183184
Often, especially in "Society & Culture", the person isn't really asking a question.  They are going to pick whoever agrees with their pre-determined answer.  So even when your answer is actually "best", it doesn't get picked.  Sometimes upsetting, though, I agree.  If it is a really ridiculous case, I'll usually leave a comment.
671039
I agree with you. I think people do it to accumulate points rather than present a worthwhile and thought out answer. I asked some serious questions and received some smart aleck answers myself. Some of them displayed quite a sense of humor, though! It's what we make it, just like anything in life...
536998
No, I get it. People ask a question, and then choose the people who side with their point of view. It happens alot. I tr to honestley choose the answer that actually answered my question, even if I disagree.\n\nSometimes though, ALL the answers avoid the question, (I have one up about remarriage right now, like that) and none of them address the issue, so picking one then is really difficult.
224553
Let's see, how many idiots are there on Yahoo Answers answering questions they know nothing about and asking really stupid questions (hmm?)? Do you really care? If it bothers you, you can always add a your own answer or vote or comment on the best answer when voting's over. But if it bothers you enough that you want to essentially spam everyone with it, then Yahoo Answers probably is not the place for you - we don't even get paid, who says they expect fully accurate and thoughtful information?\n\nOtherwise, you're just making a big deal out of something you don't even consider that important (in which case I'll take a couple points). If that's the case, you are lying, which is just as bad as what you're complaining about.\nOr do you just like the attention?
259367
I haven't encountered that yet and I don't see why anyone would do that.  I love giving good answers and feeling like I might have actually helped someone, or made someone laugh, at least.  That's why I really try to think it through when I choose a best answer and give it to the most deserving person.\n\nInteresting topic to bring up though.  Have a great day! :-)
199837
I agree with you. \nSo many times have i seen great answers not being picked because the person asking the question. \nOnly wanted a certain answer or he/she had sidekicks who he/she preferred to give the points to. \nWell now i don't know about improving it when even yahoo cant or wont do anything about it. \nyes there is some comparison to democracy.
360668
If it is a totally ridiculous question, I respond with a ridiculous answer.  And I enjoy reading all the other ridiculous answers.  If it is a sincere question, I respond in same.  I enjoy the lighter side.  Being serious and gloomy all the time, makes me depressed.  People should lighten up at times and enjoy what they have, and be content.
706
It's hard to pick the perfect answer, especially since some of the answers are subjective. For instance, if I asked someone for what they thought the BEST place to eat was, I can't really qualify that. So that would probably be left up to a vote and take a consensus. \n\nAs for picking answers myself, if there appears to be a lot of thought put into the answer and it includes sources, all the better. The questions that I've personally asked, thus far, usually there has been one answer that typifies this. Now, if I received several long responses that have merit, I would be inclined to let the users pick.
145737
Well, that is why people do this...to sharpen sarcasm skills. But I have come to find that only I think that I am funny, so I try to be honest and thoughtful most of the time. Besides, I do not like reading trashy questions over and over again on my Questions and Answers History,  thus, I have to really consider the questions I answer.  (I like your question; I will not mind seeing it on my history.)
223710
Sometime people may feel or see that the serious question is a joke, because it may seem just too stupid question to ask, or something too obvious for them.  Or it could just be that they don't know the answer but wanted to write something down anyway.  Have you though about that maybe they're trying to cheer you up by making you laugh?\n\nKeep in mind the sheer massive number of Internet users and they are from very diverse background.  They have their own ways of thinking & preceiving information.  So if person doesn't answer well, or gives you "joke" answer, don't take it personally & seriously.
82467
I think its just a thing to make answering seem worthwhile for some people. You know how people get competetive when there is a prize involved.
198740
Many people who post a question are not seeking an answer. often they just seeking confirmation or trying to make a point. they are going to choose accordingly.\n\ni have voted for answers other than mine. when answers were really good. but many of my best answers are somewhat matching questioner's view. \n\none of questioners wrote a comment after choosing my answer as best yesterday . he  stated that he was accused of being the same person as me. though it was ridiculous accusation. any one who paid any attention would have found out that he is not even indian like i am. he has a christian background and i am hindu. But it shows often the views of questioner and best answerer are quite similar. \n\nBut i can not generalise. i was chosen as best once or twice even when i totally opposed questioner. \n\nI think people when sincerly seeking answers choose what appeals to their logic. people when have an agenda choose views similar to their own.