What makes WikiAnswers worth patronizing?

Answer 1

There is nothing that would make WikiAnswers not worth patronizing. The only thing is to have an understanding of the nature of a wiki, and to understand how that relates to your need. For example, you may have some serious medical symptoms and you would like to know what is wrong. Coming to WikiAnswers for medical advice or treatment is completely irresponsible. It is not that WikiAnswers is 'not worth patronizing'; it is that WikiAnswers has limits that should be understood by visitors/contributors. On the other hand, you may have general questions or interest in any number of areas. Your questions and their answers are not immediately critical to the health or well-being of anyone, including yourself. You understand that virtually every question and every answer can be added to and modified by anyone who visits. You also know enough to always have some doubt that what you learn here is authoritative, and you are willing to keep searching for corroborating evidence and documentation. If you are ok with all of this, then you will enjoy and benefit from sites like WikiAnswers. ------- I like the answer above. I would add to it this: Back when humans existed in communities, this sort of thing was called "tribal knowledge". You'd ask your friends, the elders, your parents, whoever, for answers to most anything. And someone would usually have an answer. Now, in this less centralized world, it's very hard to get these answers. People charge for them. People are afraid of legal actions if they answer incorrectly. And we suffer from a lack of quick, easy, sometimes wrong but often right answers. It's good to have a quick response! And wiki's enhance community.