I will rate this question... I've notice a significant decrease in the number answers to LinkedIn questions. Do you think the quality of the questions

Alison's Contribution:

Why is there a significant decrease int he number of answers to LinkedIn questions? is one starting point and in my opinion, the best to elicit the best response.

NB: I haven't read the rest of the answers, just wanted to note a couple of things.

Starting point: The community of Answers is but an insignificant fraction of 1% of the total membership of LinkedIn.

1. Many questions are answered with the first answer - which is great because no one else needs to spend time answering. Bad on the ratings front though because why would you give the sole answerer the best answer simply because they were the only answerer.

2. Quality of answers is probably a more important factor. So is there any evidence that the quality of Answers has decreased? I don't think so. Over the past three years, any technical question in a niche has suffered until a leader appears to take an interest in helping out the community. Do they make the leaderboard? No - because the leaderboard is biased towards those that answer any question going - some by posting one word/one line quips which add no value.

I would think many of the technical questions would be better served by Group discussions - provided there was critical mass and participation by their members.

Rating questions is a red herring in my humble opinion (and again, no I don't expect to be selected as best answerer on this one because I don't happen to agree with one of your pet peeves at the moment).

Is there a drop in participation? Now that is a different question.

In terms of questions asked, I don't have absolute numbers. There are more than 500 questions being asked within a 24 hour period on a regular basis on Answers. Don't have any idea about the effect of Group activity on Answers, but would expect there to be a decrease.

Now a completely different question to ask is "Do people feel put off answering questions because the "leaderboard" targets are too high for them to aspire to?"

And yes, one of my pet peeves at the moment are Answerers who provide a single word or single line quip to "chalk up" another answer to maintain their lead. I think that is more of a deterrent than anything else I've mentioned.

Hope this helps.

Alison
posted 10 hours ago

I will rate this question.... Did you know you should rate your questions on LinkedIn when they close? Its real easy to do in "My questions". Thank yo

Alison's Contribution:

Whilst it is nice to get a rating for an answer given, it is not a prerequisite for people supplying the benefit of their experience.

There are many who don't agree with the principle that one needs to rate answers in the first place.

Add to this the fact that many Askers may not have the knowledge to understand which is the Best Answer - particularly for technical questions.....

Does not rating answers lead to poorer answers? Not in my experience... so don't even try to hold that one as a reason to rate.

You might try asking a different question - perhaps something like

"What would motivate you to rate your question?" or
"Is there some reason why you feel unable to rate the answers given to you?"

Perhaps they don't want to appear to be "playing favourites". Perhaps they don't want to give a rating to the sole answerer. There may be many reasons.

One "solution" is to simply have the option of selecting NO Answers as a Good or Best Answer - I haven't tried this yet, but it would be a way of closing the perceived "gap" between Askers and "Those that Rate".

So back to first principles.

The ultimate test - So What?

Why does it matter so much if Askers don't rate questions?

If you are looking for self validation, then clutching at LinkedIn for a definition of self worth is not the kind of action you need to take.

Does the Ask & Answer function need to do something to retain quality participants - apparently not. With 40 million users, even if only 1% of them participated on Answers, that would be 400k resources.

So let it be like water off a duck's back and let's focus on something which really would make the world a better place.... like eliminating packaging from food.

(I don't expect this be award best answer. In my experience, when one asks a biased question, then one tends to only reward those who agree with the point of view of the Asker - which of course leads to more interesting questions like

- Does the way you ask a question affect the quality of responses you receive?).

All the best,

Alison

(and if you search my answers really well you'll spot that I recommended at least 3 years ago award for different kinds of thinking using the deBono thinking hats as a reward mechanism alternative - which at least would have enabled many more to think about their thinking as they answered questions).
posted 11 hours ago

Before you ask a question here do you use the "advanced answer search" function to see if the question has already been asked?

Alison's Contribution:

No,

Trying to find a needle in a haystack of "related" questions or answers which happen to include a word of my search term usually does not yield good results - however interesting the distraction may be.

So, I generally opt to use the goodwill of those who have the time an inclination to craft a helpful response - and I'm often amazed at the results.

All the best

Alison

Experts or Expert "Post"ers?

Alison's Contribution:

For the one word/one line quips which aren't useful - FLAG THEM! And go to their profile and FLAGG all their Answers... Why?

A leaderboard is only as useful as the leadership that make the cut off. There are many who have the "points" - literally thousands of them who show the dedication to contribute... I'm one of those who contributes when I can to the best of my ability.

I gave up trying to make the leaderboard because for every one of the replies to which I tried to add value, I noticed that there were those who could answer 10-20 questions in the same time.

Have I given up on Answering - no, I'm just trying to come to a sensible balance between finding my next "Gig", revamping a "Team Dynamics" course (in other words, "How to get things done when you don't speak the same language") and run a home, enjoy the fine weather we're having and ensure my son does as well as he's capable of doing on his national exams.

Am I an "Expert" - well I'm "pert" and an "ex" many things, but I wouldn't call myself an Expert - only one who wants to share the best of what they have learned to date in the hope of making this world the better place we all aspire to build.

All the best

Alison
posted 1 day ago

Linked in Answers seems to be missing some functionality.

Alison's Contribution:

) Search by person.. not possible. However, you could do as I have done and set up a blog of most of the sensible (and not so sensible) answers I've given on LinkedIn.... Useful to have in one's back pocket.

2) Agree - it would be great to have a 15 minutes to modify function as we get on supplying Group discussion items.

3) Subscribing to questions - I have gotten around this one by setting up a bookmark/favourite group to which I add the ones I like. A Bit cumbersome LOL, but better than nothing. Again the Group discussion Follow function would be great to have.

What I don't know is what impact there would be on the computing requirements to put this in place.

Now for the unasked question which I assume is at the back of everyone's mind.... How do we get LinkedIn to listen to suggestions from us? I don't have the answer on that one - however, I've started looking at the LinkedIn Blog Archives and I intend to go directly to the people who have announced new functionality in the past.... in a POSITIVE way - so that it's a WIN-WIN-WIN for everyone.

Hope this helps.

Alison
posted 1 day ago

How do i delete Messages in Inbox of Linked in?

Alison's Contribution:

It's one of those things you have to learn to live with - I'm sure there are legal reasons why LinkedIn needs to keep a record of the message transactions.... As Bryan says, just Archive them and they will disappear from your inbox.

So, also be aware that you have a few other limits to live with:

1. Total number of connections: 30,000 (may seem like a lot, but just know it is there -
2. Invitation sending - 3,000. Please note that if 5 people say they don't know you, your sending privileges get revoked until you promise to be more circumspect. (I recommend approaching outside of LinkedIn asking for a connection here).
3. Groups - you can join 50. May seem like a lot, however, invariably there are multiple groups for the same kind of thing... If you want to have a look at all the groups, just leave the criteria empty and they will all appear in order of the most members. Best to figure out which work best for you because size does not always equal valuable activity.
3. Answers - there is a limit as to how many answers you can do a day, it is fairly high. Whilst the leaderboard indicates who's answered the most in the last week (including the one word/one sentence answers which aren't necessarily helpful), you get to decide by awarding good/best as to who has been the most helpful to you. You can always search Answers for insights into what has been asked before; however, it can be daunting and time consuming, so sometimes just asking will get a quick response or perhaps a newer insight.

And of course, if you're willing to share some of the benefit of your experience, there are certainly people here that are eager to learn and share.

All the best,

Alison
posted 1 day ago

Q & A on Linkedin

Alison's Contribution:

I too agree that I have too much time on my hands - currently between "gigs" and need a break from focusing on a course I'm creating for Team Dynamics.

What better way to take a break and help out someone seeking answers?

And of course, there are those of us who are just seeking a way to "give back" or "passing it on" or "paying it forward" for the greater good.

Hope you find what you seek!

Alison
posted 3 days ago

Is the lack of people closing questions hurting the community?

Alison's Contribution:

Is it hurting the community - No... Is it hurting people who live by their Best in recognition - perhaps, but let them deal with it.

Have I noticed it? No more than 2 years ago.

What impact does this have on the community aspect of LinkedIn? None what so ever.

The basic premise is that people will people Stop Answering questions if they won't get a reward...

I see little sign of this happening - LOL... just take a look at the "leader board".

There could be a myriad of reasons why someone doesn't close their question - perhaps they are waiting to catch a new set of contributors over time - perhaps they have yet to find the answer which satisfies them. I don't have all the answers, but I'm more than happy to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Hope this helps,

Alison
posted 5 days ago

What is the etiquette on blogging/tweeting about interesting conversations that are going on at LinkedIn?

Alison's Contribution:

By all means, tweet away... or is that twitch?

Just be aware that your link will be to a member only site, so those that don't have an account may be left out - twitching in the dark.

So why does everyone treat LI Q&A like a personal messaging service?

Alison's Contribution:

I haven't read any of the comments, just your clarification.

"Is LinkedIn leading the formalization of chat forums? Is this a side affect of a, generally speaking, older and more professional user community?"

Yes, I would say that Linkedin is leading the chat forum industry into new waters. Different viewpoint - I think their membership realise that a little common courtesy here doesn't impact the number of characters you have to make your point.

"Is this a case of users trying to manage others' impressions of them?"

I don't think many LinkedIn users "BRAND" their answers, they simply give the best for the amount of time they can spend when they make the post.... Sometimes they misread the question. Sometimes they go off track...

We're all human and I celebrate that we aren't all alike. Otherwise there would be no puzzles to figure out.

"So why does everyone treat LI Q&A like a personal messaging service?" - Ah yes, the LinkedIn family will defend their cubs... possibly the way you asked the question brought out the Lions and Tigers...

I don't think agree with your premise. My personal messaging service is on shorthand for those who know me well and can tell if I'm in a hurry.

I try to write response with clear messages, relevant comments and as much help as I can think of at the time to a stranger - knowing nothing more about them than the way they write their questions.

Why do people start with "Hi Alec"? Maybe they think that you might listen to them more if they use your first name. I don't know.

I try to always write the name so I can "picture" the person I'm writing to and remember more about them. I also try to focus on the positive intent in asking the question in the first place.

Do I get it right all the time? clearly not. Should I change my style - well it would mean not being true to my identity.

Hope this helps,

Alison
posted 8 days ago

Does LinkedIn contain a spell check function?

Alison's Contribution:

No, I think it would be a bit too much to expect them to supply a multi-lingual one.

I use Google's tool bar. Doesn't pick up grammatical mistakes... LOL

My suggestion is to make sure you double check it if it's important - or simply do the operation in reverse - eg cut and paste your text from a word processing tool which has done the spell and grammar check. Why this way - fewer clicks and you always have a definitive version.

All the best

Alison
posted 9 days ago

If linkedin created a discussion group based strictly on helping others find what they seek would you read and respond when you had something to offer

Alison's Contribution:

I'm with they others that think we are already doing this. Help me understand you better. Here are a few clarification questions.

What is it that you would like to see that you don't believe you get from Asking a question here?
What would be the difference between the community at large and a special interest group?
How would you reach out to those who could actually help rather than those who were members of your group?
What would you not feel comfortable asking for in this forum which would be okay to ask for in an open group?
How would this group be better than the individual connections we forge through networking?

I can see the benefit of setting up a special interest group and trying to get everyone to which it appeals to join the SAME group. However, there will always be those who will be excluded who might be able to help.

Perhaps the best thing you can do is to build the group and then they will come.

All the best,

Alison
posted 8 days ago

Duplicate questions: one gets 80 responses, the other 30. Why?

Alison's Contribution:

If indeed it is exactly the same question - eg a cut and paste job, then I suspect it is down to how many people spotted it. Variables to consider include things like: 

- time of month, week, and day posted 
- initial number of and tone of answers 
- number of other questions posted at same time - both in terms of total and specific categores as well as whether a spammer has upset the readership 
- number of followers you have - eg people that like to answer your questions, and whether you have asked your network to respond 
- the economic situation as reflected in the news 
- topicality of the question (which obviously changes over time) 

Obviously not exhaustive, but you get the idea.... hope it helps. 

All the best, 

Alison

Clarification added 6 days ago:

forgot one of the critical things 

where it was posted.... eg the categories

Give me ONE good reason.....

Alison's Contribution:

I understand the frustration.

When you flag a question, the Asker doesn't get your details. It's just coincidence that they chose to spam your question - and yes, it's happened to me.

See another answer I posted today for how to report them to Google so their site gets marked as a spammer - link below.

All the best,

Alison
Links:
http://www.linkedin.com/answers/using-linkedIn/ULI/465437-3523560?browseIdx=3&sik=1240669166593&goback=.ama

Why should LinkedIn members continue to do the work LinkedIn's Customer Service staff is paid to do...yet they don't?

Alison's Contribution:

Did you know that if you....

Flag the post as an advertisement that it disappears completely? - At least this works for the GHOST Fashion site - and it's quite fun to get rid of them - I just took care of 10... BAM! BAM! BAM - kind of the equivalent of the thrill my son gets playing computer games.

I look at this task a bit like picking up a piece of garbage someone else left behind - no it's not pleasant, but if we pitch in together we can clean up the place.

In the meantime, please report ghost fashion to your ISPs for spamming - that will help get them barred altogether.

Enough said - hope this helps.

Alison
posted 6 days ago

Should LinkedIn stop allowing the person who originated the question to delete unwanted answers?

Alison's Contribution:

My gut reaction is NO. I think it is a useful facility for the Asker to control the kinds of Answers they get. Quite often, Answers assume a life of their own and go off on a tangent which isn't helpful to the Asker.

Each individual can ask 10 questions a month so that should be sufficient to enable those who have tangental questions to pose their queries.

For instance, I could attempt to hijack this conversation to raise the other important issue of how to rate answers. Just because an answer is rated BEST doesn't mean that it is factually correct. Many people lose the opportunity of a GOOD rating simply because the disagreed with the preset disposition of the Asker rather than the basis of their argument.

So if you are going to delete the facility to remove answers, you should also remove the facility to rate answers - it seems only fair.

No doubt you'll get a wide variety of views. Hope you enjoy the discussion and it gives you what you really need - even if that wasn't what you sought in the first place.

All the best,

Alison
Clarification added 1 second ago:
Having had time to think about it again, I've come to slightly different conclusion and found myself agreeing with you... Isn't it great to have the opportunity to change your mind?

Now, the challenge I see is how to make it work without creating an overhead of administration and "make work" for someone. For example, when you really needed to delete an answer - spam, blatant abusive remarks, etc - how quickly could that be accomplished if you had to had someone double checking each by hand, doing the analysis and taking action. You may need to have a group of "Raters" perform this function.

Questions this raises (instantly for me):
What would you do with the answer whilst it was being assessed? What would be the time lag? How might the thread go off course during this time? What would it cost?

My suggestion for the first question is that the offending answer disappears for during assessment and reappears if it is deemed to not break the rules.

I'm going to park the conundrum of flagging answers as that too can lead to an abuse of power.

So, in summary, my final question for today is.

If we did decide to change how it works, what would be the best way of dealing with the (unforeseen) impacts that we will face?

Hope this helps,

Alison
posted 9 days ago

Why does the LI answer area support limited positive responses for answer viewers?

Alison's Contribution:

Sorry, due to a fluke, I lost my original answer.

I'm not a fan of the rating system - and have long pushed the idea of the De Bono Thinking Hat system for identifying responses. However, having audience participation is useful too.

Also, I'd like there to be a way for people to rate the questions which might lead to a radar of "questions of interest" which people could turn to first.

Hope this helps the debate.

Alison Murray
posted July 28, 2007

How does one frame a question so as to maximize the number and quality of responses?

Alison's Contribution:

As another person interested in the Art of Communication, you'll know that I believe that there are a set of rules (algorithms) which if followed will improve both the quantity and quality of our thinking - both for Askers and for Answerers. I've stated these off the top of my head as a set of principles.

1. State it as a positive challenge aimed at mobilising a group (ask for action within a given time period)
2. Make the complex simple and understandable
3. Leave room for someone to contribute their viewpoint which might just be a better way

I think this covers the who, what, where, when, why and how of it. I wish I had a bit of wit to inspire everyone. The only thing I can think of is "the squeaky wheel may get greased, but if you change the way you "squeak", you may get a better class of oil.

Let me know what you come up with.

Dude, where are my real experts on LinkedIn? ... Suggestions included

Alison's Contribution:

As you've brought up the issue of cause and effect, I would like to add my different voice and associated concerns.

I think the effect of "high ranked experts" has a demotivating effect - many people tune out and don't bother answering many questions - thus narrowing the number of people who are eligible for "best answers" even further. With the numbers of answers rocketing, I also think that it gets seen as a club for people with too much time on their hands.

For instance even if you copy and pasted answers, minimum time per answer has to be at least a minute - take up to another minute to tailor it and the minimum amount of time is 2 minutes per answer.

With all the other restrictions developed and in place, surely LinkedIn could set up a time based system that only 2 answers could be viewed and given within 5 minutes, and say 4 within half an hour.

This would take part of the the "RACE" out of the equation and hopefully lead to a different kind of participation. You may need to take out the purely mechanical questions (How do I close my account, merge account, send an invitation - BTW LinkedIn, I think these types of questions should go straight to customer service so that new users don't feel that they are left on their own with 11m+ people who might be a wolf in disguise.)

No doubt many have seen my earlier "rants" on the ratings system and how one might use deBono's Thinking Hats. Having said that, all ratings are biased, it's hard to come up with a better solution.

As I've said before, in come cases the asker is not qualified to determine who has given the best answer.

I'd best conclude my ramblings - I've spent more than 20 minutes and I can tell the garden beckons as I have no heart to go back make it witty or inspiring. I could do better, but I'm annoyed at the number of airplanes flying overhead ruining my week-end.

Where's the expert who can invent a silent airplane engine - surely the noise is not necessary.

How does one frame a question so as to maximize the number and quality of responses?

Alison's Contribution:

As another person interested in the Art of Communication, you'll know that I believe that there are a set of rules (algorithms) which if followed will improve both the quantity and quality of our thinking - both for Askers and for Answerers. I've stated these off the top of my head as a set of principles.

1. State it as a positive challenge aimed at mobilising a group (ask for action within a given time period)
2. Make the complex simple and understandable
3. Leave room for someone to contribute their viewpoint which might just be a better way

I think this covers the who, what, where, when, why and how of it. I wish I had a bit of wit to inspire everyone. The only thing I can think of is "the squeaky wheel may get greased, but if you change the way you "squeak", you may get a better class of oil.

Let me know what you come up with.

Alison
Clarification added May 28, 2007:
Just so you know, that quote was made on 28 May 2007 by Alison Murray - feel free to use it when appropriate.