Handling Deleted Answers on Quora: A Comprehensive Guide

As a question-answer platform, Quora has strict guidelines that govern the content added by its users. Sometimes, answers that seem well-intentioned might get deleted unexpectedly, leaving users wondering what went wrong. In this guide, we will explore common reasons for answer deletions and provide a step-by-step solution for resolving the issue.

Why Would an Answer Be Deleted?

When you encounter the situation where your answer has been deleted, it's essential to gather detailed information about the incident to help Quora understand the nature of the problem. Here are some steps you can take:

Providing Detailed Feedback

Open the question where your answer was deleted. Click on the three dots (ellipsis) at the bottom right corner of the question. Select “Add comment.”

In your comment, include the following details:

Whether you are using the desktop version or the mobile app. Your device type (e.g., Android or iOS). The time of day when the issue occurred. How far into the answer you were when it disappeared. Whether the screen went blank or if the answer got hidden by the keyboard while typing. If the answers still save in your answer drafts. Your location within a Space or outside a Space when typing the answer. Anything else you think might be relevant.

These details will help Quora understand the problem better and provide a timely solution. Additionally, if you believe you have stumbled upon a bug, report it via the Quora contact form and include any screenshots of the issue if possible. If part of your answer disappeared, providing a link to the remaining text can be very helpful.

Common Reasons for Answer Deletion

There are several reasons why answers might be deleted despite appearing to be useful or well-intentioned. Here are some common scenarios:

Violation of Community Guidelines: Some answers might be deleted because they violate Quora’s 'Be Nice, Be Respectful' policies. For example, answers that are rude, offensive, or spammy will be immediately removed. Incompleteness: Answers that lack details or context might be deleted if they are not comprehensible or are deemed insufficient. Lack of Helpfulness or Productivity: Quora values answers that are not just superficial but also add value to the thread. If multiple users find your answer unhelpful, it might be deleted.

Addressing Lazy Homework Questions

Some users ask questions in such a way that they are not conducive to receiving a useful answer. For instance, a question like “22 4” is challenging but hints at a lazy attempt to get a quick answer. In such cases, it's best to either rephrase the question or provide a more detailed explanation. Here are some tips:

Rephrase the Question: Clearly state the problem and explain the process you are trying to follow. For example, if the question is about finding the average of 22 and 4, explain that you need to use addition to get the sum of both numbers, and then divide by the total number of values to find the average. Provide a Concise and Polite Response: Always strive to answer questions concisely, precisely, and politely. This will improve the likelihood that your answer will be well-received.

Conclusion

Dealing with the unexpected deletion of answers on Quora can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can resolve the issue and ensure that your well-intentioned answers don’t get lost. By providing detailed feedback and understanding the common reasons for answer deletions, you can ensure that your content is valuable and well-received on the platform.