What about a little research?

quiet, fool! This is some of the best "people watching" in the universe. With your factual drivel, you might end up scaring off some really stupid people. Stop it this instant!

Not everybody knows about Wikipedia, and not everyone trusts it (although it's amazing how much they trust random people online). Some people just ask questions because they want to try it out. Some ask because it's convenient. I've asked questions here and then searched for the answers while allowing time for others to answer as well. It's twice as efficient because they'll often have something to add that I didn't find online.

And it is fun and educational for answerers to come across these questions that need to be answered. The copy-and-pasters don't get anything out of it, but there are some people who actually read everything so they'll know how best to help out.

Either way, I don't mind questions that just need a little research. It still brings a lot of good content onto the site. There are too many inappropriate questions that really need to be removed instead.

Well some technical questions or questions that have to do with social issues cannot be answered with an encyclopedia. Its easier to get opinions and know how from actual people. There is no source on the internet that can tell you whats wrong with your copmuter or why your girlfriend dumped you. And even if there is, getting an answer from somebody is faster. When you post a question, the answers come very quickly, just look at how long it took to answer your question by the first poster.

You can't neccessarily wikipedia some questions. Specially when you don't know the answer, if you did know the answer you wouldn't ask ;). The answer is what people usually link to wikipedia....

No kidding. As a fiction writer, i can spend hours a day doing research for my writing. I've very easy and takes alot less than waiting for someone to answer you. and you will know it's a true if you research it yourself.

dont say that youll spoil all our fun,but yes i agree with some questions you just think hey your in yahoo why not just use the search engine and there you have your answer

I agree with helper - it's not like the yahoo! search button is hard to find - and so quick!