I received the following newsletter in my inbox today from Quora.
What is particularly fascinating about this new interactive media platform is that it is not a collection of life stories (like Facebook), resumes (like LinkedIn), or broadcasts (like Twitter). It is much more of a forum where each member can ask a question of the entire group [segmented into various areas of interest on the part of members], and receive a collection of answers. It is rather like a selective thread, which has the potential to remain open indefinitely.
This last "open thread" quality is part of what makes this medium an interesting supplement (if not a substitute) for certain types of Google searches: Much of the time, when I have been pursuing an answer to a technical question (as opposed to a topical or keyword search, where Google admittedly excels), Google and the other search engines either provide results that are link farms, directories, or threads, which have either been 1) long since closed to further comments, or 2) abandoned after the initial question was posted on the thread. Dead threads are a waste of time. Quora provides a very viable, open alternative...at least potentially.
If I had to characterize it, "Q" [sounds like something from a James Bond movie] is a categorized, gently-moderated, open-ended question and answer machine. And unlike dealing with typical surveys where responses are confined to multiple choice answers, degree rankings or yes/no tickboxes, richer commentary is encouraged and tangents may lead off into their own special fields of discussion.
Q and A has always been an exciting intellectual sport and a primary means of learning -- but when we add elements of conversation, conjecture and continuity [that alliteration was purely accidental], the platform becomes an incubator of ideas as well as potential relationships.
By the way, I have yet to make a first pass at either a question or an answer on Quora. I like to observe for a while before I commit my time.
What follows is just a sampling, but it should serve to give you something to think about:
Your Quora Weekly Digest
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I can anticipate your question: "Does Douglas E. Castle work for Quora?" The answer is that I am not affiliated with the company in any way; they do not pay me as an employee, or for endorsements, or for positive reviews -- I do not have any ownership or other financial interest in the company. My interest is in getting the maximum punch out of this relatively new and unspoiled platform.
They have a number of url redirection and other issues to work through as well as a whole punchlist of other flaws, but I believe that these shortcomings are temporary and that the QStaff are working with some diligence and sincerity at making things better. They have been the target of criticism and skepticism, but, in the right circumstances, this type of assault is perceived as a challenge and a call to positive action. I am hopeful that this pressure will translate to motivation and improvement. Frankly, putting on my Mad Marketing Tactics Blog hat, the company could also use some image-building and credibility enhancement in the form of a consistent and pervasive publicity campaign.
Last, but not least, if you look carefully (I am being sarcastic indeed), "Q" is easily re-purposed as a self-promotional tool - but one where some intellect, writing skills and dignity are required for your personal brand to rise above the rest. The notion of promotion by merit instead of sheer number of comments is very enticing and a welcome departure from the status quo.
Douglas E. Castle
[http://www.LinkedIn.com/douglascastle]
