What is the proper way to answer?

Answer 1

The correct way to answer questions really varies by opinion. Here are some WikiAnswers tips on answering questions:

• Always use proper sentences.
• Write more than "yes" or "no". Try explaining why the answer is yes or no, for example.
• Stay on topic. Don't waste the readers time by blabbering on about something irrelevant to the question.
• Try to explain the answer so that anybody can understand. For example, if you use long terms, make sure you give a short definition for those who are new to the term.
• Never tell people to find their own answers and never refer them to a search engine or another site, such as Wikipedia. This is actually against the Community Guidelines (rules).
• Although askers want specific answers, you should avoid giving an essay or article. Just answer the question, don't become their professor.
• Don't answer if you do not know the answer. If you are unsure, conduct some research first to refresh your knowledge. Answers.com is good to learn from by answering questions too, not just asking them.
• Never copy and paste from other websites. This is against the Community Guidelines and you may be committing a copyright violation.
• You can add links to back up an answer you have written. You can do this using the 'related links' tool. You must not paste links directly into the answer body, as this is flagged as spam by the Supervisors bots.
• You must never advertise a product, business or service in answers. You may recommend something from personal experience, but you may not advertise them, we are not a platform for others to gain free advertising.
• You should use correct spelling and grammar. Make sure you spell check your answer before publishing (it is recommended you use a browser spellcheck rather than the spellcheck available on Answers.com if you are not American).
• You must not debate answers with other contributors. If you have a different answer, just add into the existing answer. No need for "I DISAGREE WITH ABOVE!!".
• Never blank previous answers (blank means to delete entirely) unless the previous answer is, without a doubt, incorrect or vandalism.
• Never sign answers with your name, username or comments such as "hope this helped".
• If the question asks about illegal activities, you must not answer it. Instead, report it to a Supervisor, who will remove it from the website.
• Similarly, questions which don't contain enough information should be reported for deletion.
• Have fun. Don't stress. Get to know the community.

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