The Inevitability of Early Success on Quora: An Analysis of Upvotes and Follows

It is often debated whether the system of upvotes and the distribution thereof on Quora is fair. Some claim that early success leads to amplified recognition and loyalty, while others argue that this perpetuates an unfair advantage that inhibits the recognition of lesser-known voices. In this article, we explore the dynamics of upvotes, the impact of early success, and the hidden factors that influence content visibility on Quora.

Quality and Early Success

The top 1% of content creators on Quora often get 50% of the upvotes. This is not an unusual phenomenon but rather a reflection of early success. Early content success brings followers and followers translate into more views, which in turn leads to higher upvotes. This cycle creates a domino effect, further cementing the recognized position of these early success stories.

Levying the System

Even for content that may not be upvote-worthy, the sheer number of followers can ensure higher visibility. This is due to the social proof and the additional feed that the followers bring, despite not all followers upvoting. This means that the average upvote rate of a user with followers is often higher, as a non-negligible portion of their content receives votes. Moreover, being known makes it easier to get future votes, even if the content itself does not stand out.

Social Proof and Business Opportunities

This early success can translate into business opportunities. For those who did not initially understand the advantage, simply offering quality content can lead to sustained recognition. Over time, the accumulated votes and views can become a solid foundation, even if the content quality does not drastically change.

However, the system does have its flaws. If Quora aims to ensure that every piece of content receives exposure in direct proportion to its quality, the current system may fall short. Lazy users often rely on external signifiers such as upvotes and the blue checkmark to judge content. This introduces bias into the value assessment, skewing results towards those with higher status.

Fundamental Attribution Error and Market Dynamics

The fundamental attribution error further complicates the conversation. This error refers to the tendency to overestimate the importance of internal qualities and understate the impact of external factors. On Quora, the success of early content can be attributed more to user behavior than to the inherent quality of the content itself.

Yet, for something as trivial as content on Quora, this issue is relatively minor. However, its impact on market economies is significant and concerning. The system can perpetuate inequality and corruption, leading to the stifling of innovation and diversity.

The Hidden Quora Status

The system on Quora is more complex than a simple tally of upvotes. Content status, and more explicitly, Quora's algorithm, play a significant role. Users who say controversial things or offend those of higher status are likely to receive downvotes, leading to a decrease in their status. Similarly, temporary suspensions and a reduction in status hinder visibility and recognition.

This means that even a good answer with a high percentage of upvotes per view may not receive more views if the status is low. The algorithm can significantly influence the content’s position, often mirroring the corruption seen in real-life networks.

Conclusion

In summary, the system on Quora often benefits the early birds, and the use of upvotes and status as signifiers can lead to significant bias. While this can create an unfair advantage for some, it also presents opportunities for those who understand the system early on. However, the real issue lies in the larger implications for fairness and the potential for stifling new and innovative voices.