The Time Investment of Top Writers in Crafting Quora Answers

Top writers on Quora often spend considerable time on their answers, ranging from just a few moments to several hours. This article explores the varying time investments of these writers and the factors that influence their response times.

Top Writers' Approaches to Answering Questions

Many top writers on Quora, including myself, aim to keep our answer times to a minimum. For simple questions that can be answered quickly, such as etymologies or known facts, this can be as short as 30 seconds to a minute. These are often dictated directly from a smartphone, making the process swift and efficient.

However, when dealing with more complex or detailed inquiries, these writers engage in extensive research, editing, and redrafting. A recent answer on a topic unfamiliar to me required up to four hours of focused work, including research, drafting, and revisions before finally posting it.

Top Quora Answerers' Perspective on Time Investment

Aquinas Liu, a top Quora answerer, reflects that their approach to answering questions is highly variable. Even they admit to not being among the top writers. Their process typically involves an initial idea forming in their mind over a short period, followed by a quick, smooth flow of answers once the idea is ready. Research or memory lane trips can lengthen the process, but most of the time, it’s just a matter of minutes, often around one to half an hour.

For very complex or difficult questions, Liu mentions that sometimes answers require a sleepover to let the train of thought settle. They also emphasize the importance of quality answers, which can sometimes necessitate an overnight think-through to ensure the final product is both informative and thoughtful.

Factors Influencing Time Investment

Different writers have varying processes, but the main factors that influence their time investment include the complexity of the question, the need for research, and the desire to provide a thorough and validating answer. Research-heavy questions often require more time due to the need to corroborate information and include citations. Additionally, writers who are passionate about accuracy and depth may spend more time to ensure their answers are well-founded and comprehensive.

Furthermore, simpler questions that align closely with the writer's expertise can be answered more swiftly, whereas areas outside their domain may require more time for in-depth research and validation. For instance, answers within core areas of expertise can take at least 20 minutes, but this time can stretch to several hours for more intricate questions.

Another factor is the number of edits made after publishing the answer. Writers are known to revisit and refine their answers, sometimes repeatedly, to ensure they are not only informative but also engaging and beneficial to the reader.

Conclusion

While the answers themselves may appear to be brief, the process of crafting them can be quite extensive. Top writers on Quora invest significant time and effort to ensure their answers are accurate, insightful, and beneficial to the community. Their approach is a testament to the dedication and passion required in providing high-quality information on a global platform.