Why do people only read half a question and then give an answer which doesn't really answer the question?

People scan things, they don't read them.

They also read between the lines. A woman who goes online and uses Yahoo Answers to find out whether she can wear a dress or not (instead of just trying it, like any other normal person would) clearly has bigger issues than that particular dress. People who realise this will seek to dampen your insecurity by telling you that you aren't fat, and that's why they don't answer your question directly.

So in summary, it's partly because it's a stupid question, and partly because it has bigger implications.

It is a bit like doing exams, when students read a question only half way through and they think they have all the information. They then answer incorrectly. Hence the need to read the whole answer before you respond. I also agree with the person who said they just want the points. Fortunately the minority not the majority are on this group to try and help people. In the end they may get more points but it may seem important when it is how much you help someone that counts. I do agree though as it can be annoying when someone answers a question before reading the whole answer.

The question is supposed to be in bold at the top of the page. This is what people are answering. The rest of the question is supposed to be aditional information.

So the question the girl was asking was:

I wear one size jeans and they are comfortable and the next size down is tight. Should I wear the tight jeans?

Then give more info about weight and height etc.

The moral is you need to be specific with the question you ask in order to get the answer you want.

I hate this too. I recently posted a question because I work at a payday loans company and felt uncomfortable lending money to a friend that had come in. However I couldn't turn her down because she had all the correct paperwork. I got a million answers saying, "Don't ever lend money to friends," or "Just forget about the money, friendship is more important." Hello! I clearly said this was for work. Even if they just scanned the question, surely they would have seen the words "work" and "payday loans office" scattered throughout my question.

So to answer your question, I have no idea why people do that. If they're taking the time to click on the question and then type in an answer, at least take an extra 4 seconds to read the whole thing.

P.S. For people who said that sometimes the question is too long, then don't bother answering it! Move on to another one.

I know, I have had the same problem. I don't like pages upon pages, but if they have said what they need to say concisely, then I will read. If it's confused ranting or repetition, I get annoyed.

Those people just do it for points. Which I think is quite pitiful really. Sometimes it's blindingly obvious that they read the question title but not even a line of the actual information.

I read all of your question, just as I read most questions all the way through..but the problem is sometimes people ramble on for too long so that the question is just..lost.

perhaps ppl are too lazy to read on

or perhaps they find it too broing to to contiune to read

:):):)

B aware some ppl might also type an answer telling u why do u wanna wear those jeans if they dont fit u

Most people only want the points and dont care if you get your answer or not.

Your question was far too long for me to be bothered reading.... so I only read the first half.

So I would think that you should stop wearing those jeans.

Obviously you have a self image problem...those jeans do not do it for you and I can understand you struggle with your weight..

sorry what was the question?