Should the Yahoo Answers Team ask political questions?

Let me phrase it this way: Do you think the Yahoo Answers Team (YAT) should reframe from posting questions or answers on Y!A that have nothing to do with Y!A policy, use, products or services?

Here is an example of a recent YAT question: What do you think are the reasons for which the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Barack Obama?

Click link: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Au95E...

[Note: I did post a response to the question* above.]

Yahoo as a Corporate entity and/or Yahoo Corporate Leadership is entitled to a political view point, as are we its members. In fact, Yahoo the business has virtually unlimited venues to do, if it so chooses. However, in my opinion, the YAT does not, and should not be allowed to put forward their own political view point or agenda. Even if discussed in the form of a question or answer. To do so, is nothing more than an abuse of power.

You and I, THE INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF Y!A, look to YAT as quasi-speech-content-police, a non-bias, neutral, independent monitor of Y!A member activities. In other words, to ensure members abide by certain standards and practices deemed by all membership as acceptable, we trust the YAT to monitor and enforce. When YAT enters the arena as asker, especially as an asker of a political question, one as obviously controversial as the example given above, it now takes on the veil of a member.

Borrowing from the FOX IN THE HEN HOUSE analogy; YAT has all the power and authority to delete member’s questions or answers, and when they step into the shoes of a member, they do so ABSENT an overseer.

Who is policing YAT?

Let me give you the answer: WE ARE! We, the members, the users of Y!A, are the overseers of the YAT. This is not a political question I am asking, I don’t care if the YAT staff wear Obama underwear and have decorated their cubicles with Obama artwork. I’m making president here, this is about a Yahoo policy violation that has not previously been publicly address.

THIS IS THE QUESTION: Do you think YAT should ask questions (or give answers) outside of the arena of matters dealing with Yahoo products, services or policies?

Here are the Yahoo Answer Community Guidelines: http://answers.yahoo.com/info/community_guidelines

Here are the Yahoo! Terms of Service:

http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/utos-173...

If you haven’t read them, read them.

I’m talking about a business principal called “best practices.” In my opinion, it is not wise for YAT to ask questions or answer questions outside of the scope of practice. To do so is to exploit the Y!A community.

What do you think?

Addendum: Taken from a recent memo of the Obama administration, “nor the appearance of impropriety.” I am suggesting YAT adopt this policy. No, I am not worried YAT will pull this question (this question presents no violation of Y!A). Furthermore, I trust YAT understands my concern. Whether it agrees, or not is yet to be seen. Nor is this a question about Obama or the Nobel Peace Prize (see below). I am suggesting YAT pull the question from Y!A, until Yahoo Corporate Leadership, and shareholders have time to consider the matter. I hope YAT will carefully consider my perspective in the matter, and adopt a best practice which refrains from an appearance of impropriety.

All Nobel Peace Prize Laureates:

http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates...

TAP

*Abuse: Yes, I considered clicking the "abuse" button under the question at issue. But, who would enforce it?

That's right, the Asker of the question is the enforcer.

Now, you see the problem.