How do Yahoo "contacts" work as regards Yahoo Answers?

Contacts and fans here on YA are different than other sites. Here, it simply means someone has linked to you (or you to them), to quickly see profiles with Q&A and other info. These people are your Fans (or you are theirs). This blog explains it all:

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-d8pH0dcoRKeB12yOcnU...

Give me a minute and I'll do a one-by-one answer on ALL your details.

I get an email saying that so-and-so has connected to me, exactly what does that mean and what happens if I do not connect to them or if I do connect to them?

* It means they have clicked a link and added you to their contacts. They are now your fan. You do not have to reciprocate (see my profile -- many fans, few contacts). If you DO connect to them, they are YOUR contacts & you are THEIR fan.

What does connecting to someone who has connected to me do? What does it allow them to do or what does it allow me to do?

* You are now allowed to see each other's Q&A and fans/contacts list, even if they are set to private. Also, to email or IM if that is allowed, even if set to private for other users not 'connected'.

Is connecting to people who connected you a wise thing to do or should you check them out beforehand?

* If you post anything controversial or hang in a controversial section, check them out first. If you have a TC badge, check them out first. Either of these make you a target for 'trollish reporters' who may stalk you, reporting you for the slightest infraction.

If you should check them out, what do you look for?

* Look for Level(s) and points, points earned this week, whether you've answered a question of theirs, whether they hang in your preferred section, whether they have good answers to other people's questions. People of integrity are pretty obvious. Level 1 people can be an issue, but are not necessarily suspect; just hard to determine.

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When I originally posted this question, only had one person answered the question and they said:

"your contacts are contacted by e-mail with any question you post on yahoo answers"

What does that mean? Do my contacts get an email each time I ask a question or answer a question?

* Fans have the OPTION to be emailed each of their contacts questions. Some do, some don't. They CAN see your questions (and starred questions and answers) easily on their OWN profile. If you have any contacts, you will a summary of their latest postings on your profile -- and can click to see a FULL listing if you want.

Are there any dangers in connecting to someone who connects to you?

* Yes -- as mentioned above, trollish reporting, stalking and harassment can happen. Some folks have been suspended due to this (in the Dogs section, for one that I know of) and/or driven off the site in frustration.

I've had a couple of questions deleted and bought the ones nasty little emails from the Y/A approximately chatting. It's simply the cost you pay for utilizing Yahoo Answers. Remember that lesson you found out in grade institution ..... Life isn't reasonable. A phrase of recommendation, make all your Questions and Answers personal. Don't enable contacts or lovers. No IM, 360 or e-mail. Then a individual who approach to purpose you obstacle through reporting your Questions and Answers could have much less entry to you. Good good fortune and first-rate desires!

I added you as my contact so you could be notified if I had a question about something. Your avatar says your a top contributer with answers to questions and I always have many questions. If this freaks you out so much then delete me from your contacts