Are one-time users’ questions worth elaborating on?

If the question is interesting, and you feel like answering in detail, then sure, go ahead.

Yes. Some other person who might ask the same question might come on board and read it.

^ Well providing the question is not removed like the one I mentioned. Also, in hindsight some of the one-timers usually ask for opinions about relationship or school questions that are really personal.
But, yeah I agree with you.

It depends on the question and the asker.

It’s one of my least favorite things when I put something into writing something (like a careful answer) and then it vanishes (in this case, because the question vanishes).

Some spam questions may end up with good and useful answers for others.

On the other hand, some spam questions probably should just be deleted, perhaps even if they have some decent answers… but where that line is, or where it “should” be, I’m not sure.

I don’t think the line should necessarily just be because they were a one-time user. Unless the way Fluther is programmed to work, shutting down a spam user automatically removes all their questions?

I think a lot of these new folks, not all but quite a few, seem to be youngsters with adolescent angst issues. They’d do better talking things over with peers and family, rather than a bunch of strangers on a Q and A site.

Would they? I seem to recall young peers and family not tending to have particularly much to offer about adolescent angst issues.

@Zaku You seem to be lumping spammers and one time users together. I see them as quite different. Most spammers are found out fairly quickly and their accounts and their spam are deleted. On the other hand, i thought the question was more about those who post emotional issue questions and then don’t return. I think it can be helpful to adolescent angsters to read our answers even if they are only one time questioners. And as has been said above, their questions and answers may help others. Spammers, on the other hand, should be pilloried and banned immediately.

How would you know a person is a one-timer? Isn’t that a determination made after a person hasn’t returned?

People Fluther for different reasons. It’s not inconceivable that some might simply seek an answer to their question.

They don’t want to answer questions…they don’t want to dialogue.. they don’t want to socialize.

I think a more constructive question might be:

“Why do I answer questions?”

Do I share my thoughts, opinions or expertise to offer a solution or new perspective regarding the question being asked, or are there other motives involved?

It might be unreasonable to expect a person to respond (if they respond at all) in a manner we expect. It’s probably more appropriate to answer questions for no other reason than we like answering questions.

@SABOTEUR Well said. You are absolutely right. The fact that I didn’t think of all that before I asked the question makes me think of how many things never cross my mind and I go through life like that…aargh…

@Yeahright You’re no more guilty than most people. I usually take what someone says at face value, but occasionally I find it necessary to ask someone to rephrase what they attempted to say to avoid miscommunication.

The fact that you took time to contemplate my response to your question is very impressive. I see this as an action of someone who continues to learn and grow. Nothing to beat yourself up about. You could have just as easily said, “whatever”, and dismissed my suggestion entirely.

KUDOS to you, my friend.