Quora’s BNBR Policy: Enforced or Not?

As of August 2023, Quora has not officially abandoned its Be Nice Be Respectful (BNBR) policy. However, there has been ongoing discussion about how this policy is being enforced. Some users feel that the policy is not consistently applied, leading to confusion and frustration regarding moderation on the platform.

Policy Enforcement and User Perception

It appears that the enforcement of the BNBR policy has evolved over time. Instead of direct human intervention, Quora now relies heavily on automation through bots. This new approach might cause random and sometimes arbitrary decisions.

For example, recent observations suggest that Ad Hominem attacks are still addressed, but minor swearing is seemingly tolerated. This inconsistency can lead to a perception of unfairness among users. In many cases, the bots' decisions are difficult to predict and can be frustrating for content creators.

Policy Changes and Searchability

The precise wording "be nice be respectful" is no longer searchable in the Quora HELP Center. Instead, the platform has shifted its focus towards references to harassment, bullying, and abuse. This change might be another indication of the evolving nature of the BNBR policy.

Behind the Scenes: Moderation and Resource Allocation

Quora’s moderation efforts face numerous challenges. According to some reports, there are too many trolls and complaints about violations, but not enough moderators to handle the workload. Running the site at a loss is another issue, as booting users off the platform reduces the user base and potential ad revenue.

The number of moderators and the number of reported violations could be key factors. With fewer moderators and a higher volume of reports, Quora may struggle to respond promptly to all issues, leading to inconsistent enforcement of the BNBR policy.

Reasons for Inconsistent Enforcement

There are several reasons why Quora might not be effectively enforcing the BNBR policy:

Resource Constraints: Maintaining a large user base with significant content requires a substantial moderation team. However, with a limited number of moderators, it becomes challenging to oversee everything. Increased Violations: The rise in reports of violations could indicate either more abusive behavior or a higher threshold for what constitutes a violation. Bot Reliance: While bots can handle some tasks, their decision-making process might not be as nuanced as human oversight. This could result in more inconsistent outcomes.

What Can Users Do?

Since the BNBR policy is still in effect, it is important for users to report any violations to Quora directly. If you believe that a policy has been violated, you should:

Report the violation through the appropriate channels on Quora's platform. Stay informed about Quora’s HELP Center for any updates or changes to the policy. Engage in constructive dialogue with the platform and other users to promote a respectful community.

Remember, the BNBR policy is designed to maintain a respectful and welcoming environment for all users. Your input and reports are crucial in ensuring this.

Conclusion

While Quora maintains its BNBR policy, the way it is enforced has evolved. With the increasing reliance on automated tools and resource constraints, inconsistent enforcement is a common issue. To ensure a better user experience, active reporting and open communication with the platform are essential.