What is a quality response?

Japan
June 13, 2010 7:23am CST
Sorry, I think there is something like this on the 50,000 discussions started by myLot, but for some reason I can't find it. If you find one could you please post a link guiding to it. If not then I was wondering, because I believe most responses are "quality" if they contribute to the subject. Does the response have to be 3 or 4 lines to be quality? That is what it said on the myLot FAQ... but 3 or 4 lines just means more quantity. Could some one please explain.
4 people like this
15 responses
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
13 Jun 10
I believe there is no such thing as a standard perfect quality response. All of the topics are different and depending on the type of discussion then the response will be different too. Whatever fits, as long as it is on-topic. Rambling on to make it longer when a short response would have been enough, is not necessary either.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jun 10
I agree with you. Short, sweet and to the point is better than long, drawn out and off-topic. Although, it's hard to have a quality response when a discussion isn't a discussion. For example, it's hard to discuss anything when a response to a discussion is a simple 'yes or no.' I think a quality response also needs to include information. Either it be advice, experience, opinion or even research.
• United States
13 Jun 10
Very true. I better start reporting then. I've seen quite a few question and answer type topics. Sometimes, I just wish people read the rules before agreeing to something. Then again, I shouldn't be one to speak because even I glance over terms of services when I download new programs to my computer. They're just so lengthy. But in myLot's case, I did read the guidelines. I didn't want to be banned! I don't think anyone would want their payout to be in jeopardy.
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
13 Jun 10
How deep is the ocean?
1 person likes this
• Japan
13 Jun 10
Depends :)
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
13 Jun 10
My point entirely
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
13 Jun 10
It is important to know the difference between Quality, and Quantity! They are both required in myLot, but both are entirely different. The Quantity of the response is at least 4 lines long, while the Quality means that the response contains some points of interest that could generate more interest and additional response. A response of less than one line, and that says; "I agree with what you said!" is not a good response because it breaks both myLot guidelines, that of Quantity, and of Quality! (This is an excellent example of a Quality myLot response!)
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215153)
• Chile
13 Jun 10
We can all think about several points that, added, would contitute a quality answer. It´s difficult to answer well in 2 lines, but not imposible. It depends on the subject. Many quality responses start a thread of comments. It´s because other people, seeing it, are interested in continuing to give their own opinions there. You are new at mylot: WELCOME!!! You will be learning little by little, in part by reading the rules and guidelines of the site, in part by starting and answering posts. We get to know each other here, we finds friends. When we see a friend answering at a post the has got us interested, we tend to say hi, agree or disagree with them, just as you do with your friends in real life. That also helps have a better response (with other comments to enrich it). So, as you see, all is relative. We learn while doing it. Take care!
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
13 Jun 10
Any response that sticks to the topic at hand and is descriptive and has substance. I like to make my posts longer, but then I also try to be as descriptive as I can. Now, if the response is off topic, then that would be a whole different matter again. I find that if I know I have something to say and can post according to the topic, then I will post a response. I kinow I have said the same thing about how many lines it should be, and I think I am steering others wrong, so now I am just going to tell them to check the faqs and guidelines, as everything they need to knwo it there. GTood luck to you and happy mylotting.
@merlinsorca (1118)
• United States
13 Jun 10
What I would say is a quality response is one that is very detailed and answers the discussion and more. Even though you don't need 3-4 lines to answer everything, I would say that it's still a bit important. I mean, a one-line response could work but most of the time there is more to say/type.
1 person likes this
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
15 Jun 10
You are right that this topic has been broached many times before. For some reason, however, the Search facility (for me, at least) now returns NO results when I search 'Discussions' but works - at last - for web searches! I had to use the 'site' facility to search for MyLot discussions related to 'quality discussions' (try entering 'site:mylot.com quality discussion' ... note that there is NO space between the colon and the site name but a space after the site name). This will search only a particular site for results. I cannot find anywhere in the FAQs where it specifies "3 or 4 lines to be 'quality'". If you can show me where it says that, I would be grateful. The quality of a response is very dependent on the quality of the discussion. Good quality discussions will tend to encourage good quality - that is to say, descriptive, relevant and original - responses which should, in turn, require good quality comments. Comments are vital because that is what changes a 'question and answer' session into a 'discussion'. We are not, of course, allowed to speculate in detail on the earnings algorithm (which, presumably, is also involved in determining quality) but there are clues as to what we should do to ensure 'quality' scattered liberally throughout the Guidelines and the FAQs. First, the Guidelines give some quite explicit examples of what constitutes a 'good' or a 'bad' discussion. In order to learn to make our participation of the highest quality possible, therefore, it is necessary to memorize the Guidelines and to understand the spirit in which they are written. To be clear, they are NOT a set of rules (with 'loopholes' that can be used to 'get round' the rules): they are, rather, examples of good and bad practice. Next, to the left of every box where you enter your discussion, response or comment, it says "Please be as descriptive as possible." Being descriptive would normally involve more than just a sentence but, at the same time, words should not be idle or wasted. Any discussion worth its salt could hardly be properly stated in a line or less (though there may be exceptions). Similarly, if something is worth discussing at all, then it surely must be worth more than just a line or two. Finally, it is worth noting that it says in the FAQs ( http://www.mylot.com/o/faq/faq17.aspx ): "The [Discussion Rating System] is factored into our proprietary earnings algorithm, so this will help us properly reward valuable contributions to the myLot community." and, further down the page, "What's the best way to get positive ratings for my actions? * Post quality topics, responses and comments! Some pointers include: * When giving advice or answering questions, research your conclusions and provide links to authoritative guidance. * Convey original ideas or thoughts. Don't repeat what somebody else has already said. * Be considerate of other users in a discussion." In other words, be Descriptive, Relevant, Accurate, Considerate and Original when responding or commenting. Like St George, conquer 'DRACO' (the dragon) and 'quality is assured' (as the saying goes)!
@smacksman (6053)
13 Jun 10
I suppose it depends on whether you are posting to get paid or posting for fun. A very short answer doesn't earn but can be to the point and all that is needed to be said. Sometimes it can also be really funny which helps when going through a discussion.
@greysfreak (1384)
• United States
14 Jun 10
Well, I think that quality responses do need to be at least 3-4 lines, it's not really possible to give a really detailed response in only one line, unless maybe if the discussion was something like "what is your favorite color". Now, it is possible to write responses that are 4+ lines that aren't quality, but I do believe that if you are really interested in sharing your opinion or knowledge about a discussion, that 4 lines is actually on the low side. I have been on mylot for several year now, I have taken a lot of breaks, but when I post I try to be as thorough as possible. Sometimes I probably end up going on a tangent, but for the most part I try to stay on topic and in the area of what the discussion is about. Everyone is different though, some people can write a good response in fewer words, but I just tend to be someone who tends to get really into my responses. So basically, a quality response is sticking within the subject and writing what you know about. Also, this is easier if you pick discussions that you actually know about, that allow for depth.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
14 Jun 10
hi its quality as it is expanding the response so the other users can understand what you are saying, when they complain about quantity here mylot admins are talking about people who make ten or twenty what is your favorite flavor of ice cream, or your favorite hat or shoes or purse or color. .these are not discussions as you can answer in one or two words this is useless quantity it does nothing as it give us nothing to discuss.Enough lines to explain your feelings is not quantity but quality as we can understand what you are saying when you actually flesh it out just a bit.Why does everyone want to shortchange us, what good does that do,it is quicker but I tell you from experience you will not earn by being too short.One thing if you do not use enough words to get your idea across nobody will pay any attention to it at all.
• India
13 Jun 10
well as far as my views are concerned if you have the correct answer for your query then it is a quality answer, even if it is in 2 to 3 lines, it should be correct.
1 person likes this
@tomitomi (5429)
• Singapore
15 Jun 10
One that answers the discussion and adds to the whole picture of things. One that is simple enough to be understood, clear and precise. Often times it may just come from a layman speaking from his/her experiences and speaking them from the heart.
@oldchem1 (8132)
13 Jun 10
Well that really depends on the discussion, if it is a discussion like yours there is a lot of scope for a 'quality response', but if someone says 'how long do you boil an egg for a soft boiled egg' the response will be a simple '3 minutes'!!!! Quality does not always mean quantity, in my opinion a 'quality response'is one that is well written, interesting to read, progresses the discussion andsometimes entertaining or humerous As I said, this is my humble opinion, but I'm sure that other members will have better answers for you
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Jun 10
I think anything that has substance like my colleges have pointed out. There are just to many people looking for short answers like do you think my hair looks funny like this. Of course you could draw it out and make a long conversation but most people are going to say yes or no. As long as you are responding to the subject at hand without going off onto a random tangent about boats when they are talking about kittens, you should be fine! Goodluck! -WickedSpies
@ndubose (418)
• United States
13 Jun 10
I would agree it depends on the question and the answer if it truly pertains to the question and meets the persons need for the response