Answers FAQ

(That's your cue.)

Just like that—that's a great question. There are three things that will help you ask a great question:

Before posting a new question, you should make sure no one's already asked your question. Who knows—someone may have already answered your riddle! The easiest way to find out is by using the search box on the top left of the page.

If your question is so specific that it only applies to your particular situation, you can bet that folks won't be as interested in helping you out. Make your question relevant to others and they'll be much more willing to try to solve it for you.

Vague questions don't spawn helpful answers, or even answers at all! Questions that generate a lot of interest are specific. Try to avoid using general descriptors, like "stuff" and "things." If people know exactly what you're talking about, you can expect more helpful feedback.

ON-TOPIC questions! An on-topic question is:

• answerable
• specific
• relevant

For example:

• "Can I replace the battery in my iPhone 3GS?"
• < INSERT YOUR OWN EXAMPLES >

OFF-TOPIC questions! (boo! hiss!) An off-topic question is:

• vague
• subjective
• irrelevant

For example:

• "A seagull walked on my iPhone 3GS; don't you think seagulls should have a third eye?"
• < INSERT YOUR OWN EXAMPLES >

• Learn more: Asking a Question

Reputation is an optional way to represent the community's trust in you. You gain reputation by asking great questions and posting insightful answers.

You earn points every time someone votes up one of your questions or answers. If someone says that your answer solved their problem, you get 30 points.

You can always ask a question or post an answer. As your reputation increases, the system trusts you more.

Higher reputation affords you more privileges in moderating the site content. So, for instance, if you have 500 reputation, you can edit a post. If you have 20,000 reputation, you can delete a question or answer. See About Answers for a list of privileges you can earn.

• Learn more: Insight on reputation