Why Some Top Writers Were Not Selected as 2015 Top Writers: Insights and Reflections

After reflecting on my experience on Quora over the years, I have to admit, the selection as a Top Writer is a bit of a dubious honor, especially when I didn't make the list this year. I have no clear idea why I was selected in previous sessions or left out of this one. However, I have gathered a few insights that might explain the situation.

Lessons from Commenting

While I believe my most impactful contributions have been in comments rather than in direct answers, I have found particular satisfaction in engaging with the content of David Stewart’s blog, 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die. Rather than contributing long-form answers, I have provided additional anecdotes and analyses, which can be highly valuable yet are often less visible in terms of measurable statistics.

Unfortunately, such interactions and insights do not often get the same recognition as detailed answers. This is partly because comments do not add measurable statistics that are likely used to evaluate candidates for the Top Writers list. Despite my efforts, my contributions in this area haven't gained the same level of visibility or virality as answers do.

The Curious Nature of Quora

Apart from the limited visibility of my comments, there is another aspect to consider. Quora is a vast and sprawling platform, where the bubble of our own interests and areas of expertise can limit our awareness. Even the influencers on the platform are only seen by a fraction of the total user base. According to my observations, each user sees a small subset of the content, which may explain why my contributions haven't gained the same recognition that they deserve.

While I may be among the top contributors in my niche, there are countless other contributors in various other fields who might be gaining recognition without my knowledge. This is both a blessing and a curse, given the complex and dynamic nature of Quora’s algorithms.

The Role of Social Networks

I also noticed that I am part of a small subset of Quora users who do not actively engage with Facebook. This means I am not a part of the Top Writers Community on Facebook, which is used for networking and collaboration. Without this engagement, I might be missing out on opportunities for recognition within the platform.

This realization led me to wonder if being disconnected from this part of the Quora community might have affected my chances of being selected. It is possible that the Top Writers are selected based not only on contributions but also on engagement with the broader Quora network.

Conclusion and Reflection

While I feel a pang of regret upon seeing the list of Top Writers, I am grateful for the experience I have gained on Quora. The platform has provided me with valuable insights and opportunities to engage with passionate and knowledgeable individuals. My contributions to the 1001 Songs blog have provided me with a sense of satisfaction, and although they might not have been recognized in the same way as other answers, they remain important to me.

Overall, the experience on Quora has been enriching, and I look forward to continuing to contribute in my own unique way, wherever recognition may or may not come from.