Defining Fame on Quora: Criteria and Realities

Quora, the knowledge-sharing platform, has seen its fair share of famous contributors over the years. However, the landscape of what it means to be a famous Quoran has changed dramatically. From prominent figures like Stephen Fry, Barack Obama, and Jimmy Wales to lesser-known experts, the criteria for fame on Quora have evolved over time.

Historical Context and Criteria for Fame

Initially, being a well-known Quoran was a status that came with exclusive meetups and recognition within the Quora community. However, as the platform expanded, it became increasingly challenging to pinpoint exactly who qualifies as a famous Quoran. Some early criteria for notoriety included:

Known and Respected Experts: Individuals who have written popular books or achieved significant professional accomplishments, such as Thomas Cormen, an astronaut like Astro Clay, or a respected educator like Robert Frost. High Following: People with a substantial number of followers, typically 5000 or more. Quality Content: Writers who produce well-crafted and insightful answers that are widely linked and appreciated.

Current Challenges in Identifying Famous Quorans

The sheer size and fragmented nature of Quora have made it difficult to determine who exactly qualifies as a famous Quoran. In the past, the threshold for significant recognition was around 10,000 followers. Now, with the platform’s immense growth, this threshold has shifted to around 20,000 followers, or even more specifically, 50,000 for broader notoriety.

For instance, recently I saw a comment about the well-known figures on Quora, mentioning names like 'Everyone Dies Son of Quora Sockistan Barry' and his 'kangaroo-kicking fiasco.' This person was well-known enough to be a part of the discussion, yet their name was entirely unfamiliar to me. This reflects the current shift in the Quora community, where the recognition of famous contributors is becoming increasingly fragmented.

Historical Memories and Nostalgia

The days of exclusive meetups for top writers hold a romantic nostalgia for many current users. Back then, the Quora of yesteryear was much more intimate, with a smaller, more connected community of experts and influencers. Meetups were a special event, and everyone who attended knew each other well. However, with the shutdown of these meetups and the Partner Program, the anonymity and informality of the platform have grown.

Today, it is not uncommon to come across a writer with a significantly larger following than you, yet you may not have any prior knowledge of them. The numbers and followers alone do not necessarily define fame on Quora anymore.

Final Thoughts

The criteria for being a famous Quoran on Quora are continuously evolving. While the presence of prominent figures like Stephen Fry, Barack Obama, and Jimmy Wales holds a place in history, the current landscape of Quora is much more diverse and fragmented. The challenge lies in understanding and navigating the new rules of recognition and notoriety on the platform.

The nostalgia for the past is a bittersweet reminder of a more connected and intimate Quora, but it also highlights how the platform has grown and changed over time. Understanding these changes can help new and old users alike better navigate and appreciate the vast and dynamic world of Quora.