What Happens to an Answer When Reported on Quora

Quora is a platform built on the collective knowledge and expertise of its users. To maintain the integrity and quality of this knowledge base, the platform has robust moderation policies and practices. This article will explore what happens to an answer when it is reported for not addressing the question at hand.

Report Criteria and Moderation

When a user reports an answer for not properly addressing the question, the process typically involves several steps. Depending on the user's level of engagement and previous history, the answer may be either collapsed immediately by the system or require additional reports and downvotes before it is taken down.

In some cases, Answers may be weighted according to user credibility and AnswerRank, meaning that the more credible the reporter or the higher the AnswerRank of the user, the more likely the answer is to be collapsed.

However, editing the answer and/or gathering more upvotes may help revive it. In my experience, the answers recently tagged as 'Collapsed by Moderation May need Improvement' often reflect this dynamic.

Reporting Standards and Practices

It's important to note that when reporting an answer, you should aim to provide a comprehensive response that adds value to the community rather than simply linking to another source. Reporting an answer that only explains why the question is unanswerable or why it's wrong is not effective and could lead to the report being overturned.

Content vs. Criticism

Instead of reporting the answer, it may be more effective to report the question. Reporting the question rather than engaging in a debate in the answer itself can be a better approach. However, we all occasionally yield to the temptation to engage directly with the answer. Unfortunately, Quora is less likely to delete a question that has been answered, even if it violates policies, unless it blatantly violates Opt Out (BNBR).

The Process of Collapsing an Answer

An answer can be collapsed due to downvotes and reports. The specifics of the process depend on the number of downvotes and reports, and the credibility of the reporter. If an answer is downvoted and reported, it is possible that it will be collapsed by Quora's moderation systems.

Timing and Management

Once an answer is collapsed, the original author has the right to appeal the decision. If the appeal is successful, the answer will be restored. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the answer will remain collapsed.

If You're the Reporter

If you have collapsed an answer, it is important to note that it typically takes three downvotes and reports for an answer to be collapsed. Therefore, being the third person to report or downvote can lead to quicker action.

Be aware that answers may also be collapsed due to downvotes. In addition to the reports, downvotes can influence the collapse process.

Conclusion

Maintaining the quality and integrity of Quora's community relies on all users understanding and adhering to the reporting and moderation policies. By ensuring that answers address the questions at hand and by exercising caution in reporting, we can contribute to a more informative and reliable QA platform.