QuestionSwap
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
QuestionSwap is a website that allows people to ask a question in return for answering a question. The site takes questions from members and non-members and randomly delivers them to other members and non-members to answer. Non-members questions are answered in email.
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[edit] History
The creator of the site is Adam Marmaras. QuestionSwap came about simply because, in his words, "I was a bit bored, and I thought it was a good idea." He describes that inspiration for the site came from SketchSwap.com. when he "really liked the concept, and thought [he'd] copy it, but with something different to swap."
So far the database behind the site has reached 660,000 questions and answers. This will soon be lost, however, as more room will be needed for the ever growing number of visitors.
In July, 2006 QS creator, Adam, blogged a hint that some changes may be occurring to the website. He stated that:
"The site will survive, and I even have a few cool ideas to make it better. I just need to find the time."
People have speculated as to what these changes could be and some have linked this in conjunction with an enquiry on the site's forum written by Adam asking if people would pay for special memberships where members could view every question and answer that goes through the site, dubbed QS Voyeur. Feedback so far has been supportive of such an idea.
In September, 2006 the site has been redesigned to accommodate for registered members only. This has therefore cut down on the amount of spam and abuse from non-members. Feedback has been very positive.
[edit] Features
For members only:
- ratings.
- archive of previously asked/answered questions.
- a simple profile.
- access to Question Swap forums.
- ability to feature and be featured.
[edit] Question of the Day
The website also has other areas including Question of the Day where one question is selected and members submit their answer to it. Voting on the answers is provided and the most voted answers are displayed the next day.
[edit] Pic of the Day
Following the same format as above, another feature is Pic of the Day, which provides a normally humorous photo that members must provide a caption for. Recently, this was changed so instead of providing a caption, you photoshop the image into something more interesting, and it is now updated weekly.
[edit] Spamming and Non-Members
A commonly recurring problem and point of disscusion on Question Swap was the number of spam, abusive and irritating behaviour displayed by some of the visitors. This was sometimes but not always due to non-members. The problem occurred because people didn't have to be a member to ask or answer a question. The issue has been addressed by the author of the website Adam who states in his blog:
- "Someone emailed me today saying there might be spammers on the site. I checked and the same question had been asked 1000's of times. I used to be able to catch and deter the spammers and the idiots, but I can't monitor the site 24/7 like I used to...spamming and racist vultures [are] picking away at it's flesh."
Acting upon this, in September, 2006 the site has been redesigned to accommodate for registered members only. This has therefore cut down on the amount of spam and abuse from non-members.
