My Journey on Quora: Reflections and Adaptations

Since I first joined Quora in September 2013, my experience with the platform has evolved significantly. Initially, Quora provided me with an opportunity to share my life experiences and knowledge with those who are willing to listen. It allowed me to contribute value to individuals seeking better answers for a better life. More importantly, it made me realize that I wasn't alone in my thoughts and dreams.

One of my most cherished interactions was with a wonderful young lady studying nursing. We connected through our shared interests and mutual respect. She is intellectually stimulating and a joy to converse with, and in my opinion, she is perfect. Such interactions on Quora remind me of the positive impact a community can have on its members.

A Day in the Life of a Quora User

My journey with Quora spans several years and multiple roles. From 2014 to 2017, I primarily used the platform for sharing and discovering knowledge. Then, from 2018 to 2020, I transitioned into a role as a moderator, ensuring that the platform remained a vibrant and respectful space for all users. Since then, I have continued to engage with the platform in various ways.

Adapting to Changes

While I have faced several changes over the years, I do not feel that Quora or its stakeholders owe me anything other than a well-functioning service. It’s ultimately up to me whether I continue to use the platform, and I have been doing so since September 2013. Although I don’t always agree with the features, policies, or changes made, I do not complain, but rather adapt to the evolving nature of the platform.

For me, Quora is a source of entertainment, where I enjoy reading intelligent or witty answers. My primary goal is to contribute to topics where I have some knowledge, without any career or monetary ambitions. I respect and appreciate those who use Quora to further their goals or for monetary gain, as everyone has their own path.

My Recent Adaptations

Recently, I have made several adjustments to how I use Quora. I keep experimenting with different ways to customize my feed, focusing on the topics that interest me the most. I have also been following and contributing to various spaces, but ultimately decided to stop focusing on the spaces aspect and instead read answers by topic and contribute my own.

Another change I've made is discontinuing the sharing of links, as it seemed to detract from the core value of the community. Additionally, I have gradually become less involved in political discussions, which have become more contentious and less rewarding. This change was necessary due to the large number of trolls and sock puppets who use comments as a platform for their political views. Instead, I now disable comments on political-related answers and rely on private communication with my friends if further clarification is needed.

Promoting Thoughtful Answers

To foster a more positive community, I now use the “thank” feature to acknowledge thoughtful answers, whether I agree with them or not. I believe that promoting thoughtful contributions can help maintain a respectful and engaging environment. Even if I disagree with some of the conclusions, I still upvote answers that are factually correct and have merit. This approach encourages others to contribute quality content.

Conclusion

Quora is a reflection of the culture in which we live, and it is imperfect. Using the platform can be both pleasant and unpleasant, but ultimately, it is up to the individual user to determine what their experience will be. If the platform can no longer meet my needs, I am prepared to leave. However, for now, I remain committed to enjoying and contributing to the community in a productive manner.