Will you stay at Y!Answers after the Beta period is over?

Absolutely-The Internet has incredible possibilities, but as stated 50 years ago about television, it is generally a "vast intellectual wasteland". With all of the social sites, the 'lets be Friends" sites, the chat, etc, I have never found a place to meet experts in any number of areas, from every part of the world, where intellectual relationships can be formed, even loosely. Just in the few questions I have asked, I've learned about things I have been interested in (albeit lazily) for years. Much better than just looking it up, which can be difficult and get hundreds of hit on a search, one can get an expert opinion specifically geared to your specific question. The points are sort of fun, and I enjoy answering questions, but to be honest, the real power is in finding other people with similar intellectual interest and focus, but different expertise. Once the relationships are formed, with a few different experts, one can trade knowledge and rapidly expand knowledge, with the knowledge being used as the only currency.

*edit*

I just read through the answer that CaCO3 gave-a shame because I really enjoy your science answers. I had no idea there was a controversy (I've only been on a few weeks), but I can see how frustrating uneven enforcement would be. After the beta is over, will this be a pay-for-membership site? I can certainly see an advantage to that, and perhaps Yahoo would administer it better as well.

Yes, am planning to, wasn't even aware I was involved in Beta testing until I noticed it the other day. I guess the question is, is Yahoo going to keep Answers after the Beta period? Let's hope so, I find it enjoyable and satisfying to take part in Answers. Wonder what changes, if any, they'd make to how Answers is wired. If they took away all my hard earned points, I definitely would not be happy, probably to the point of not continuing in Yahoo answers. Just too much work to start all over again. I'm just one person though, it'll be interesting to hear what everyone else has to say about it. BTW, when is the Beta testing period supposed to end?

I was sure before I realized they aren't really interested in having a _real_ answer site. One of the users on the forum let the cat out of the bag, when he pointed out that the advertising works no matter what garbage is on here. I had hoped they were using this as a test to find some quality answer people, so they could launch an honest question and answer site, but I guess that's too much to ask.

I do love answering questions, so I will stay on, and keep up the treasure hunt and the fun.

I think I read a Yahoo! Answers Team statement somewhere that they won't be starting all over from zero once Beta stage is over so, I think we all can heave a sigh of relief that our points are going to to be intact but, IF, hypothetically I assume that all my Yahoo! Answers points are taken away and I have to start from zero, I won't even think about leaving the site, as a matter of fact, it will be a great opporunity for me to start afreash, yup, call me over-optimistic but, I will look at it as an opportunity to start with a better nickname maybe "Nightcrawler" (am I childish or what?), I always wanted to change my nickname & profile photo to "Nighcrawler" but, couldn't do so as Batman has now become my identity here.

This reminds me of the famous quote- "If life throws lemons at you, make lemonade. (or was it when life gives you lemons...?, whatever!)"

*edit*

Err.. I removed my previous edits as Carbonates removed his answer (or was it deleted by Y! Answers customar care?), either way, I didn't wish to look like "talking to the walls" you know. (Laughs).

He made a valid point but, still I don't see a reason valid enough for him to quit Answers but then, I am an addict and thus a tad biased.

i cannot see NOT continuing on here. the points loss would be disappointing, but not a deal breaker. it would be nice to not have to "start over", but rather have my present worth to the community reflected in my points totals stay intact.

the personal connections are very rewarding. if the records of those were to be lost (including old questions and answers, watch lists, things of that nature) then i would feel a bit abandoned by yahoo. you'd think there was some way for yahoo to "roll over" everything seamlessly into the "alpha" stage of answers. the loss of my 'portfolio' would be a major blow to my enjoyment of the site, moreso than the loss of the points.

great, something ELSE to worry about! :)

Most definitely! I can be in a public place(rare I'm always at the computer nearly) And I'm talking to myself thinking of questions to ask.

And I answer questions in my sleep. So even if I have to start points over (not that I hope that they do - if so they should start every one with at least 300 pts)

I would be here.

Old! Yep, that's me.

Stay? Yep. Sure will.

Points? If they wipe them out, I'll just have to wait longer to ask 20,000 riddles and off the wall questions. Big deal.

The site matters. The concept of communication matters. The world-wide community matters. Being part of the greatest experiment in human history matters.

What was the question again?

i've been here since last december..and i've worked hard building my points/level status..after beta, i'll still stay with yahoo. because answers has given me hope and willpower-by interacting and participating

where else can you answer a question by the esteemed Dr. Deepak Chopra?..wow!

and about points..hope they dont take that away-a valuable and fun feature to have around. thank you.

If they were to wipe out all my points, I won't stay to use it anymore. Heck, it took me a lot of work to accumulate them even if they're a lot less than what others have. Also, it depends on how long the novelty works for me - I won't stay for long if I get bored answering questions. So far, everything's alright for me.

I hope they wipe out points and it makes me less addicted. Or maybe I'll get closed down for answering an illegal polling question like yours.