Why is it that many of the "Top Contributors" on YA give the dumbest answers??

You've hit the nail on the head.

They contribute a huge range of answers in a small amount of time. To do so, they must rely on areas they are knowledgeable about or zip out answers at record speed.

Some compromise on thinking to meet the time frame.

Yeah, the whole "top contributor" thing is based on quantity of replies -- apparently if you do nothing but sit around all day and type nonsense you get to be a "top contributor." It has absolutely nothing to do with whether the answers are right, or even intelligible. The description is bogus.

I'd say that "top contributor" status, if it exists, should have more to do with quality of answers, but who decides that? "Best answers" are often just plain wrong, or chosen because they basically agree with the asker's opinion on something.

It would probably make the most sense to just ditch the "top contributor" title/status altogether, but I'm sure it's an attractive "reward" for some. Although one could fashion an argument that the label is misleading for people who are asking questions looking for serious help....that they're more likely to give more weight to an answer posted by a "top contributor," even when that answer is wrong. So it goes.

ETA To the person who basically said top contributors are people with no lives: I take offense! It isn't always the case! But hey, when the twins are sleeping and I get some quiet time, the computer is often the only thing I have energy for...

Ive asked Yahoo the same thing. Fireball226 as a Top Contributor? Yeah - top contributor of the word "yes" or "no". Half the time, she doesnt even respond to the question - she just leaves a yes or no without explanation. And this, my friend, is for us to consider a Top Contributor?

I could be a top contributor just like her. Its easy. Quit my job, ignore my children and sit at a PC all day long responding to every single question asked... Not difficult at all...

I've noticed that as well. I don't have a problem with the dumb answers that they give, it's when they get condescending and start correcting the grammar or the wording of your question that they answered as if they are so important that you should consider them an authority in this forum. I say get a life to them.

(But of course if I became a top contributor, I might feel differently!)

LOL

Well I consider my stupid penguin answers to be the absolute dumbest, and I'm no "Top Contender"...

I must admit, though, I wouldn't look half bad in this tux if I were standing on top of one of those little Orange Bars. Am I right, people, or am I right?

Well, if I'm lucky, I'll never be "awarded" the "Top Contributor" status. I do jump around alot, too. But that's ok! I'll help wherever I can!

032307 3:13

I'm at Level 6, and somehow I'm not a Top Contributor.

I answer questions in too many sections to be an expert in any one in particular.

I'm just a victim of statistics.

I completely agree, its pathetic! haha. i think of that is because of the fact people assume good solutions from 'them' and notwithstanding if the solutions are not that good, the 'genuine individuals' badge sort of makes the guy asking the question have confidence they deserve the final answer.

LOL

Spend an hour a day here and they give you a silly orange sign. It's not like anyone asked for them.

As for knowledge, here in R&S it's all opinion so it's hard to judge.

If you wish to browse through my previous answers and decide for yourself. Do you ask your questions because many do not agree with your opinion and therefore you think the answers uneducated? Nothing about religion is solid fact - it is a faith based system and therefore opinionated. Opinions are not right nor wrong they just are.