How long does it usually take to get an answer on WikiAnswers?

Answer 1

I don't know of any official figure. It can vary widely. Many contributors keep a close eye on the most recently asked questions and answer in less than a minute. But with the enormous volume of questions asked each day some inevitably slip through and go unanswered for days or weeks. These are often questions that require more specialized knowledge.

One action that almost always ensures an expedient answer is the featuring of a question on the front page of WikiAnswers. Supervisors possess this powerful ability of highlighting interesting questions on the main page. To learn more about supervisors and how to become one, visit http://wiki.answers.com/Q/WikiFAQs:The_WikiAnswers_Super_Team

Answer 2

Some questions can be answered within seconds - others may stay unanswered for months (or years !) It depends whether someone knowledgeable in the specific subject has seen the question. Of course - using the correct form of 'does' - instead of 'dose' always helps !

Answer 3

It varies--it really depends on the question you are asking: Easy-to-answer questions are very often answered almost instantly. Other questions - e.g., those that require research - may entail a lengthy wait, even years. It's all about timing and whether a knowledgeable person sees your question.

Bear in mind that there are millions of unanswered questions. You must just be patient. Researching some of the answers takes time. If you can't wait, learn to do your own research. Getting an answer basically depends on however long it takes for someone who reads your question to choose to give an answer.

Remember also that you are more likely to receive an answer if the question is well categorized. This ensures that others who have an interest and appropriate knowledge to respond have the best chance of even reading it.

A question will also be answered more quickly if it is in the maximum number of three category areas. The more general the category areas in which it is placed, the more people are likely to read it. If it is in too general a category area, it may not come to the attention of a person with the special experience and knowledge that is needed to answer it precisely.

Other tips from our users to make sure your question gets answered quickly:

• Use proper spelling and grammar.
• Make sure to choose the appropriate category for your question. Categorization is extremely important; it allows the right people to see the question. Good questions that are easy to comprehend are usually answered by someone looking through the questions in a specific category. Uncategorized questions are less likely to be located and answered. * For tips on choosing the right category to place your question in, view the "Related Links" section of this answer.
• Add alternate wordings to your question to make sure it is easily able to be searched in the system. This means adding other wordings that mean the same thing as your question; you can do this by clicking Edit alternates on the left side menu of your question's page.
• Request to have your question featured on the WikiAnswers homepage; ask a Supervisor for help with this.
• It is much easier to answer a question about something specific, like "Can you buy an iPod in orange?" than a vague one like "Can you buy stuff in orange?" Answerers may avoid the vague ones and answer the more specific ones.
• Make sure your question is well worded and categorized correctly.
• Answers here are provided by other users like you. Therefore, it depends on the question. Some are answered immediately while others take longer.
• WikiAnswers is a community Q&A website that operates as a wiki; it relies mainly on contributions by members of the community. As such, the amount of time it takes for a question to be answered depends upon the activity of users, and whether or not they see a question.

  Therefore, the amount of time it takes for a question to be answered is not consistent; a question might be answered almost instantly, or it could go unanswered for weeks.

  In general, making your questions clear and direct, and placing them in appropriate categories, is likely to increase the speed at which it is answered.

• A question might not be answered soon because it's not interesting to passerby contributors, it's difficult to answer, or it's too complicated for people to understand.
• WikiAnswers is a community of many people trying to improve the site as a resource of questions and answers. Questions get answered at different times. Unfortunately, some people treat the site poorly and write inappropriate questions and/or answers. If you want a question answered, ask it; be clear, and be patient; and make sure the category is correct.
• If your question isn't immediately answered on WikiAnswers, don't worry. Some questions sit for a long time before they are answered. You can increase your chances of having your question answered by adding alternates to your question, by making sure it is in the correct category, and by making sure the question is coherent and easy to understand. If an answer to your question is not satisfactory, you can flag the question or remove the answer entirely.
• When you ask a question, it goes into whichever category/categories you filed it under. Then you have to wait until someone goes into that category and chooses your question. It can be answered pretty fast, or it can take months.

Answer 4

It depends on a number of factors...

Firstly, remember - this is not a 'live' web-site (like a chat-room) - it's a forum. You need to post your question, then be patient enough to simply wait until someone reads it.

Secondly, post your question in the right place. You can select up to three categories for your question to be included in. For example - it's no good posting car questions in medical categories ! Not many mechanics are interested in medicine (althoough there are comparisons between a mechanic and a surgeon !)

Answer 5

Depending on the quality of the question, questions can be answered in minutes. We are consistently surfacing new questions to our users to get your questions answered as fast and as accurately as possible. Help contribute your Answers to new questions on our Unanswered Questions page!

Answer 6

It depends on the question.

Answer 7

Answers vary.

Answer 8

Too long!!

Answer 9

10 hours