Do you answer a person's questions if you check their profile and see that they keep all their Q&A private?

Fair enough question.

I admit I catch myself doing that often enough. Especially to see if the asker has a track record of picking their own best answers or not. I hate seeing questions go to a vote all the time.

I find it frustrating when the lists are blocked to the public.

Isn't the whole purpose of this site to help build a database of good answers to good questions? Sure we get a lot of crap along the way and many "just for fun" questions, but when we start keeping our activities secret doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of the site?

I sometimes look at people's past questions to help answer their present one. Not too long ago someone was asking about how to practice a maneuverability driving test. From looking at their past questions I was able to determine they lived near me so I was able to direct them to a local place they could practice. People may actually be cheating themselves out of getting better answers simply by blocking the public from their past questions and answers.

So... yeah... if I wasn't so sure if I wanted to answer the question, that MIGHT change my mind about answering it. Either way it still becomes part of MY public database for whatever that is worth.

I can understand your reasoning here. I do the same thing. If a question sounds suspicious in it's sincerity I often will look to see what their other questions were if any.

However, I keep my questions on private, ha ha ha.

My reason for that is because I found often times I will ask a question regarding one subject, then I will get answers based on some of my other questions, which had nothing to do with my current question.

Hope that made sense.

No. There are some weird people that will ask weird questions and even if they keep their Q&A's private, doesn't mean anything

toward you. If the same person has asked a question and you feel that it's pertaining to you or you feel uncomfortable, then by all means, don't answer. For me it's just a way to keep ourselves safe.

Wow you said a lot in that mouthful. Let me see if I say it with an answer. As a matter of fact, let me see if you've made your private. Ok good yours not private. Let's see. Yep, when they've made their stuff private how are we able to see the current question on the board? And if one answers would that like Unblock any participant you may have unblocked? say for example, I had Mr. Retard blocked but you did not and I answered your question am I now open to Mr. Retard (no offense if there's a Mr. Retard active now).

I hesitate to answer some questions from users that don't leave us their email address, or who don't say their career or profession.

But I know that people in general don't close off their Q&A's to view unless they have a stalker or have had some kind of problem with a viewer, maybe even just one viewer, but that doesn't mean they aren't friendly or aren't friendly to everyone else.

Anyway, just what is it you're looking for if "you" think their question is a bit off? Sometimes people are funny because they want to be, sometimes they are serious, sometimes evasive, sometimes just ask a general question (not one that specifically refers to themself). Sometimes their questions are merely survey questions, or even just to get some points. So I never bother checking anyone's prior questions or answers cause it just doesn't matter.

No, I do not answer that person's questions at all. I feel the same way as you. I learn a lot about a person by their questions & answers or profile . If they block that or also if you can't email them, I feel like they are hiding something and I want no part of that kind of person. I am very caucious~~jill

My questions and answers are private and I have no problem with people chosing to do so. The only types of questions which I find to be of concern are ones where the asker seems to be trying to bring harm to himself or others.

I keep mine private so a few haters that appeared cannot thumbs down me without really searching. Even a few spamers have done this after I have reported them. I like the idea and we can only hide from others not in our contact list. If you want to see the q&a they may let you join once they look you over!

I don't really see what difference it would make to me reading their profile. If the question seems a bit "off" I would let them know in my answer exactly what I thought about their manner or their question. NIce to hear from you!

keeping it private is protecting all users in your network

example

if im mad at someone

and i see them on your contact list or answering your questions and getting best answer and as a contact also thinking mine was the best

i see problems could be a result

privacy for all concerned is a good move

you don"t have to answer anyones question