Why Did Quora Delete My Answer That Pointed to an External Website?

Understanding Quora’s Policies: Why Your Answer Might Have Been Deleted

When using Quora, creators aim to build a comprehensive knowledge database where answers should be self-contained within the Quora platform. The primary reason for this is to ensure that users can find accurate and useful information without needing to leave Quora to access an external website. Quora's answer policies emphasize that the core content of an answer should be understandable and valuable even if someone were to avoid clicking any links provided.

Quora’s Expectations for Content Quality

At the heart of Quora’s mission is the belief that each answer should stand alone, providing sufficient value to the user. This guideline explains why answers that solely direct users to external websites are often deleted. Instead, you are encouraged to interlink your answer with additional resources in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, the content provided within Quora.

The Role of Internal References

It’s perfectly acceptable and often recommended to include links, but these should serve as supplementary material rather than as the primary answer. For instance, while your answer should include a brief explanation of the key points, you can add a link for further details or in-depth information. Imagine Quora as an encyclopedia where the core information is provided locally, while links point to additional, verified sources for those seeking more details.

Common Reasons for Answer Deletion

There are several reasons why your answer might have been deleted if it pointed to an external website. Some frequent ones include:

Links Don’t Last Forever: External links can become outdated or broken, leading to a suboptimal user experience and potentially making your answer incomplete or inaccurate. Annoying Searches: If a user has to click through multiple links to find the necessary information, their experience can be frustrating and potentially lead them to leave the site.

The Importance of Context

To make your answer more effective, always provide a summary of why the link adds value. This ensures that even if the external link no longer works, the essence of the information is still available to users.

What If Quora Actually Deleted the Answer?

If your answer was deleted by Quora, you would have received an email from the platform detailing the reason for the deletion. Quora provides users with the option to appeal the decision. However, it’s important to note that not receiving such a notification does not necessarily mean your answer was never posted. Some answers might be posted in private spaces, in which case they are controlled by the space owners and may be deleted without notification.

For those looking to enhance their knowledge on Quora or for more detailed guidance on creating high-quality, self-contained answers, refer to the official Quora help center or FAQs. These resources provide insights into the best practices for contributing to the platform and ensuring your answers meet the community standards of maintaining a rich and reliable knowledge base.