is it to earn points? to answer the question to the best of your knowledge? etcetera... etcetera... give your reasons please...
134969
good question.  I have always had a few questions that I've wanted answer for and have never known who to ask.  now I can just ask them.  but in the end, I see my points tick down, so since I'm a saver and not a spender in real life I en up answering peoples questions like "what is your purpose in answers.yahoo.com?" in hopes to earn 10 point.  Why I do that, I do not know but I sure hope that I get the right answers.   :)
363269
Many people do not know how to put an answer to the group.  I don't yet, and I was going to put that question out there.\n\nIt can take much longer to pick a best answer than it can to just go around answering questions.  And you only get 3 points for doing it.\n\nI try to look every answer over carefully before I decide, cause many people put so much into their answers.  Also, to get the info out of them.  That is the real point of answering the question.\n\nBut I guess people sometimes get all caught up in getting points.  \n\nI think you're answer just gave me some info i needed.  And thank you.
500521
It depends on the question. I only answer if I feel I can offer some valid information or insight.  I will not answer a question that is really ridiculous (as so many are).  I do not answer question so I can get more points (haven't quite figured out what the points are for anyway).  I think that answers should offer more than a "yes" or "no".  If I agree with someones answer I may tell the questioner why.  Some do have better answers.  I have found that most of the questions being asked are subjective.  I may give a thumbs up to someone who has a valid point, but will only give a thumbs down if some one provieds an answer that is extremely biased and ignorant of the subject.
558645
Many people give answers to different subjects they have no clue about. I am wondering myself. But what can you do?\n\nWell, I only answer questions for which I am qualified to answer.
18961
Good question.  I believe that the "best answerer" is the one who does the best job in answering your own question, and that may change from question to question.  If you receive say eight answers to a serious question, hopefully all will try to be helpful and having different views may lend depth and confidence in the best answer.  Also different and valuable sources may be provided to assist in your own further research.  The scope of questions runs the gammot from frivolous to trivia to fun to very serious as it should.  Total points and level are just frosting on the cake IMHO.  Good luck.
607064
I do not think that it is right either.  I mean, if no one asked questions, there would be no purpose in this site at all.  LOL  I still ask questions any way b/c you can earn your points back easily.  Also, I do not pay any attention to the point system.
14974
I think the idea is that everyone knows the answer to something, so if you ever run out of points you should be able to find a question you can answer to earn more points.  That provides an incentive for more people to answer questions.
676356
Choose a category you're familiar with, and start answering questions to the best of your knowledge, and in full detail. The best answers end up paying off. The points are worthless, and basically mean and do nothing. If you're just focused on points, then it would be a waste of time.
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.
218044
i would say getting responses to questions because the points aren't very useful. However, it is a nice feeling to know that you have tried your best to help someone else.
621858
There is no point.\n\nI just happen to get a lot of points because I discovered Yahoo Answers and I do exactly what I do in Real Life. I help people with computer related questions that I think might be useful.
46888
If you pick a best answer or you put the question to a vote you get the points back.\n\nIt is to make you an active participant and not just a leach.
344620
I answer questions that I feel I can contribute something to. For stuff where there is a "right" answer, I only bother if I truly know what the answer is. For stuff where there is no real "right" answer (like opinion questions or recommendations), I typically only respond if it's issues I care about or stuff I'm passionate about (like recommending songs from my favorite bands). I'm also a stickler for "help me with identifying this song" and "what are the lyrics" questions because they're really easy most of the time (easy points!).\n\nStuff that I give thumbs up and thumbs down to is purely based on whether or not it's helpful to the asker. If someone asks a question that could be considered "stupid" and people just rag on them, I'll give them a thumbs down. Everyone has "stupid" questions that still need answers. Instead of wasting time mocking people and not taking them seriously, I like to offer the answers they seek (hence Yahoo! Answers, not Yahoo! Dumb Questions Not Allowed). If someone gives a "correct" answer, or something helpful, or insight of some sort, I give them a thumbs up for helping.\n\nThe only time I report people is when their harassment goes too far. Calling people inappropriate names or making threats - these are unacceptable. More often than not, they violate the terms of service, which I also believe is cause for reporting.
79055
Well you don't "NEED" to answer any questions whether you like them or not...\n\nNow if you just happen to want to answer some, you may certainly do that if you want to help someone with their question...\n\nAs for you asking questions, I usually stick with things I personally want to know the answer to...\n\nI don't ask just silly random questions...\n\nIf I ask a question that I want an answer to, I wait till I get several answers to choose from and see if any fit into my need for an answer...\n\nThere really is no need to ask a question that you have no use for and don't care if you get an answer or not...\nThat would be pointless...
196479
Um, isn't that what the point system is for? If you answer well, you'll get points for it. If not, then your lack of point accumulation will give you a clear indication.
249981
its all about questions that people ask and answers that people answer. Its great fun aspecially when your answer has been chosen as the best one.jus go on roll it and and answer as many questions as possible but be careful while asking questions.
55119
To get opinions.... or just to feel like there are real people out there answering your questions.\n\nWhy did you ask this question?