From Novice to Net Celebrity: My Journey on Quora

My journey on Quora has been one of the most satisfying experiences in my life online. It has not only brightened my life after retirement but has also taught me valuable lessons that have impacted my personal and professional growth.

The Discovery of a Valuable Resource

It was regrettable how I had not discovered this site earlier. I stumbled upon Quora in July 2015, and from that day forward, it became an integral part of my daily routine. Quora has been a beacon of hope and learning, guiding me through the ups and downs of the online community.

Lessons Learned

Quora taught me a myriad of lessons that have been instrumental in shaping my online demeanor and interactions. Here are some of the key insights:

Patience and Persistence

The early days on Quora were challenging. Being a newbie, I was often invisible and ignored. However, this taught me the value of patience and persistence. The BNBR warning was a significant lesson—humour is subjective, so it's safer to use self-deprecating humour rather than mocking others.

Respectful Communication

Quora taught me the importance of respectful communication. I learned to hold my tongue and not say something smart that might offend someone else. Being prudent and tactful is crucial, especially when expressing differing opinions or responding to criticism. Gratefully acknowledging and correcting mistakes when pointed out by others is a sign of maturity.

Handling Criticism

One of the most valuable lessons is handling criticism. It's important to ignore unreasonable or hateful criticism and focus on the constructive feedback. Genuine criticism helps in personal and professional growth, and acknowledging it shows humility and openness.

Interaction with a Diverse Community

Quora exposed me to a vast array of writers from all over the world, each with a unique style. I was particularly fascinated by the topics I knew little about but were always interested in. This experience allowed me to socialize online with a wide range of interesting people, learn from their writings, and share my own knowledge.

Retirement provided me with unexpected benefits. Suddenly, I had a lot of time and no other commitments. Quora filled these moments, giving me an opportunity to engage meaningfully and connect with fellow users. The site became a vital source of morale and exposure to a younger demographic who often relate to my experiences.

The Early Days and Success

My initial posts were met with silence. It took weeks to gain my first follower, and it was a significant milestone. In the first three months, I managed to get about 20 followers, and I was pleased when occasional posts garnered 100 views. However, my journey began to accelerate when my post on life in Bengaluru gained traction.

This post attracted a lot of Bengalureans and marked a turning point. With over 40,000 views and an increase in followers from 20 to 100, it was a significant achievement. Over the next four months, my follower count climbed to 600, and my time spent on Quora increased as I started interacting more regularly.

Global Reach and Recognition

After six months in the US, I returned to India and my Quora journey took a new trajectory. By August 2016, I had 5,600 followers. I noticed that personal experiences resonated more with users, while answers on technical subjects received less traction. Gratitude is scarce, and OPs often don't acknowledge help, but that's part of the challenge.

The real surge came after I returned to India. A post on "True Colours of Modi" collected 25,000 views within an hour and crossed 100,000 by the end of the next day. My views now shoot up rapidly within 10 to 15 minutes, and I average about 200 to 250 new followers daily.

This journey has been rewarding and humbling. It has taught me the value of patience, respect, and the importance of sharing meaningful experiences. Quora has been more than just a platform; it has been a tool for personal and professional growth.