How do you prevent people giving you nonsensical answers to your genuine questions?
87183
God bless ya you crazy dreamer!
1021253
I wouldn't worry too much about it.  There are so many people on here that even if you think you gave an awesome answer, it might not be the answer that the person is looking for (that has happened to me many times!).  Also, on some questions, you may be up against an expert on whatever subject that the question is about.\n\nOne thing that you can do is go through the questions you've answered and vote on the ones that have been sent to voting.  You can vote for your own answer, if you want.\n\nGood luck - I'm sure if you answer enough questions, you are bound to get a best answer at some point!
649185
One response you can give is to smile and say, "Why do you ask?"  Sometimes you can then ask them the same question they asked you.  The key is to not get upset about it.  If they were trying to annoy you on purpose, they get annoyed because you aren't annoyed.  And thus, they cannot take advantage of you.\n\nIf the asker is very sincere, a better response might be, "That's something that I don't feel comfortable answering."  They're likely to appreciate the honesty.
265677
Some questions are more complicated than others and may require more time to research.  Sometimes when individuals post nonsense or non-responsive answers to the question, others may be deterred from answering the question in a helpful way.  Weeding out bad answers or reporting abuse for answers that do not substantively address the needs of the question are just two ways of trying to address this problem.
775886
Well you could always try not pissing them off? \n\nI don't let it spoil my fun - if I want to say something I say it - its only Yahoo and you don't even lose points for a thumbs down so what's the problem?
992216
Many people give answers to different subjects they have no clue about. I am wondering myself. But what can you do?\n\nWell, I only answer questions for which I am qualified to answer.
1049356
Suggest you ask proper questions and not throw mind games at an unsuspecting audience!
739036
Hi, If they are asking a question that is rude, too personal, or asked to make you feel uncomfortable, simply say, "Why do you ask?"  It immediately puts them on the spot without making you look as offensive as them.  You will find they will stop doing that to you and I must admit, you will get a bit of satisfaction from seeing them uncomfortable.
1041608
When I come across some of those type questions I always go to the persons Q & A page to sus out their other questons. You can usually tell if they are a genuine kid who needs advice or some jerk getting cheep thrills. I feel sorry for those kids. Clearly they are asking on this site because it ensures their anonimity and they feel safe in doing so. Some of them are so very confused and we do live in a very explicit confusing world. \n\nI don't know how you could police the site and there is no way of controlling what others ask or answer. You can only report what you think to be inappropreate and hope that creeps don't get at these kids.
490081
Sometime people may feel or see that the serious question is a joke, because it may seem just too stupid question to ask, or something too obvious for them.  Or it could just be that they don't know the answer but wanted to write something down anyway.  Have you though about that maybe they're trying to cheer you up by making you laugh?\n\nKeep in mind the sheer massive number of Internet users and they are from very diverse background.  They have their own ways of thinking & preceiving information.  So if person doesn't answer well, or gives you "joke" answer, don't take it personally & seriously.
436142
so people can reply with stupid answers
196818
Well you don't "NEED" to answer any questions whether you like them or not...\n\nNow if you just happen to want to answer some, you may certainly do that if you want to help someone with their question...\n\nAs for you asking questions, I usually stick with things I personally want to know the answer to...\n\nI don't ask just silly random questions...\n\nIf I ask a question that I want an answer to, I wait till I get several answers to choose from and see if any fit into my need for an answer...\n\nThere really is no need to ask a question that you have no use for and don't care if you get an answer or not...\nThat would be pointless...
62817
While the answer is amusing to some, others may not feel the same way. I have been bashed for giving at least one answer someone didn't appreciate. I have even gone back and deleted a few of my cynical answers because I didn't want to hurt anyone else's feelings. I say give those answers at your own risk, but I think you found an interesting way to still get the funny stuff out there without doing harm.
294266
Agree. Strongly agree. Why? Because for one, there are things that I say on Yahoo! Answers that people I know in my daily do not need to do. There are just some things that you dont mind stranger knowing because they are less judgemental... or that they really won't say anything to you... or that they you will tell you straight up what they think and you don't have to give a crap about it.\nFor two, there are some things that people ask over here regarding to those people, so it'd just be awkward if they found out.\nAnd for three, sometimes its just better so then they wont start answering your answers and then ask you questions regarding the question that you asked that they answered.\n\nWow, that was a mouthful...
11013
It is true that some people may spam an answer just to get the points, however you actually receive much more points for getting chosen as a best answer.  I think most people are trying to get the best answer, rather than just the two points for answering a question.  Also if you question the valdity of an answer you can always check the person's source, or if they didn't supply one, don't choose them as the best answer.
1143906
Only answer questions you have something to say about, even if its just a funny remark. Alot of people my try to answer all the questions, but I don't think they know what their talking about half the time, and it makes them look stupid.
1174449
Do you respond when questioned? If people say this to you just to get a response, don't play their game.\nIf you don't bite they will soon lose interest in trying to bait you.\nYou know what you are. The problem lies with others.