Why Am I Unable to Comment on Certain Answers or Even Answer Questions on Quora?

Have you ever tried to comment on a Quora answer or post a new one, only to find that you can't? This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss the prevailing views on comments and moderation on Quora.

Understanding Why Comments May Be Restricted

Ultimately, the inability to comment on certain answers on Quora often stems from the poster's decision to be exclusive or restrict the discussion. Here, we address the possible reasons and the views of users on this issue.

Reasons for Restricting Comments

There are several reasons why the person who posted the answer might choose to restrict comments. One common reason is to avoid unnecessary arguments or debates. For example:

“I want it to be exclusive. Is that too much to ask?” - Quora User

This desire for exclusivity is understandable, especially in polarizing topics like politics where intense debates can often lead to endless arguments and frustration.

Frustration and Exclusion

Sometimes, the inability to comment on answers is due to the frustration with the quality or content of the discussions. As one user put it:

“I used to allow comments but there are so many Trump supporters that make crazy unsubstantiated claims that simply repeat the lies and propaganda they’ve heard on fake Fox news.” - Quora User

These users often feel that they are wasting their time and energy in futile attempts to educate or correct the comments, which leads them to block such users from commenting or altogether disengage from the conversation.

The Impact of Blocking on Quora's Community

The act of blocking users can be seen as a reflection of the poster's attitude towards the community and their own opinions. Many users see it as a sign of self-importance and an unwillingness to engage with differing viewpoints. As one user expressed:

“Blocking people suggests that they might not fully trust their own opinions/answers but also don’t want to be corrected and/or learn from them. If I’m wrong, I want to be corrected, how else will we learn?” - Quora User

Users like to see Quora as a platform for sharing and debating opinions, so blocking others can be seen as a hindrance to this goal.

Positive vs. Negative Use of Blocking

While blocking can sometimes be used to protect oneself from rude or unpleasant comments, it can also have negative consequences. Instead of blocking, many users prefer to ignore the comments or address them in a calm and constructive manner. As one user noted:

“I certainly would not block everyone because of the potential of one or two nasty people! I just ignore them which is possibly even more irritating than an escalating war of attrition!” - Quora User

Interestingly, many users find that ignoring negative comments is more effective and less stressful than engaging in a repetitive and frustrating debate.

Discovering the Blocking Feature

Some users may only discover the blocking feature when they face restrictions. For instance:

“Honesty, I only just learned that you can block people on Quora if you wanted to! From commenting on an answer. But what a bizarre concept for a question and answer platform! Why would anyone sign up to Quora if the only opinion they’re interested in is their own?” - Quora User

This realization often leads to frustration and a questioning of the purpose of the platform.

Conclusion

The inability to comment on certain answers on Quora is a complex issue that reflects the diverse opinions and attitudes of its users. While exclusivity and frustration are common reasons, the broader implications of such restrictions highlight the importance of a community-driven and open platform. Ultimately, Quora thrives on the exchange of ideas, and any measures that stifle this exchange may eventually undermine its value.