Put simply:
-Know about the subject being asked.
-Follow SFI's guidelines.
-Submit answers in English. (Utilize a translation program)
-Do not include personally identifiable information.
-Answer the asked question thoroughly.
-Answer the question with correct information.
-Write in a friendly, knowledge tone.
-Use personal experience.
SFI listed an Answer Guidelines on the ASK SC Answer Submission page which is prudent to follow if you want to receive more "yes" votes, then "no" votes in regards to the question, "Was this answer helpful?" for answers you submit. These guidelines are useful when followed, as they help individuals write a more easy to read answer.
When I read submitted answers, I often come across many which have been submitted completely in another language other then English. I speak and read three languages, so this does not matter to me; however, #3 of the Answer Guidelines reads: All answers must be submitted in English. It concerns me that a submitter did not follow the guidelines and took time to find a way to utilize a translation program for assistance. I know it takes time to learn how to use a translation program; however, this is part of being in SFI/online system. In reading answers, I can tell when a submitter has attempted to utilize a translation program, because at times I will read a submission which will have some other language intersperse with the English. This is okay for me because this person has attempted to adhere to guideline #3.
With Answer Guideline #5, I often find myself asking, "Why did this person submit this answer?" Answer Guideline #5 reads: The best answers are thorough and shed new light on the topic and/or help the reader fully understand the solution using clear examples, metaphors, analogies, etc. When I am reading submissions that simply state what every other members are stating, I will answer no to the question, "Was this answer helpful?" Why do I answer no, because the answers are not being helpful but repetitive. Answers which might contain similar "repetitive" answers as others, but expound on their answers, by giving examples or share personal experience that help me understand the situation in a new way are more likely to receive a "yes" response to the question, "Was this answer helpful?"
I am aware, some affiliates prefer shorter answers so they don't have to 'waste' their time voting on answers, but if the answer cannot be fully answered in a few sentence to do justice, then no purpose has been served to the person asking the question or our SFI community as a whole. Therefore, guideline #5 needs to be adhered to more often, then a single paragraph quickly written in hopes to earn VersaPoints.
The last Answer Guideline I would like to point out at this time is #2: Answers may not include any personally identifiable information (i.e., your name, contact information, personal Website, etc.). Many answers I read are written in a salutation form, basically a letter form to the person who wrote the question; therefore, it is often closed with the persons name who wrote the answer. According to guideline #2 this is not allowed. In fact this guideline is even highlighted in red to catch the attention of members. This is linked with SFI's rules of no solicitation/cross-solicitation, along with fair voting in ASK SC.
I have also found submissions which are written in a friendly, engaging manner; yet, with a sound of knowledge are ones I tend to vote, "yes" on. I also make sure the answers are accurate, meaning there is not something inaccurate being passed on within the SFI system. Such as I recently read that all the Zebra Games cost to play. This is an inaccurate statement. It is inaccurate because if you read the rules, written in the rules it states: "There is no cost to play." Due to the inaccuracy of the answer written, I voted "no" for the answer.
I have managed to earn VersaPoints from some of my submissions; however, earning VersaPoints is not the reasons I have submitted answers. I entered answers on subjects I felt I had something to share. Perhaps this is the most important part of the equation. Don't just submit an answer because you want votes to get VersaPoints, but to contribute to the knowledge base of SFI's Community.
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Put simply:
-Know about the subject being asked.
-Follow SFI's guidelines.
-Submit answers in English. (Utilize a translation program)
-Do not include personally identifiable information.
-Answer the asked question thoroughly.
-Answer the question with correct information.
-Write in a friendly, knowledge tone.
-Use personal experience.
SFI listed an Answer Guidelines on the ASK SC Answer Submission page which is prudent to follow if you want
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