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Question or Answer?

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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada
I see two trends in this community. Some people tend to ask a lot of questions. Others tend to answer questions asked by others.

While both roles are necessary in any community, do you think people should tend towards one extreme? Or do you feel each person should contribute both ways?
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Wade Harshman Scrum Master| GDIT Indianapolis, In, United States
Nov 17, 2017 7:34 AM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
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As for asking the same question again, Wade, I suspect this is due to newness to the site. I expect new PMI members come to the community with questions and don't know enough to search the discussions for similar questions.

As for the same answers by the same few people, can you clarify if you mean individuals using the same answer or do you mean a group of people using the same answer? Please note that the first issue you pointed out might be creating the second issue.
I think there's a growing (or changing) body of users who ask the same questions. We welcome new users, and I wouldn't expect a new user to search past discussions for similar questions. Better to simply ask and keep the community engaged.

There's a smaller subset of existing users who tend to answer questions, so when similar questions are asked, we tend to get the same answers.

This is not a complaint, it's just an observation.
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1 reply by Stéphane Parent
Nov 17, 2017 9:21 AM
Stéphane Parent
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I agree with the observation. To be honest, I don't know how much difference you can put in answering the same question, over and over again.

Personally, I tailor my answers every time. The content is probably the same, just not the delivery.
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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada
Nov 17, 2017 9:00 AM
Replying to Wade Harshman
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I think there's a growing (or changing) body of users who ask the same questions. We welcome new users, and I wouldn't expect a new user to search past discussions for similar questions. Better to simply ask and keep the community engaged.

There's a smaller subset of existing users who tend to answer questions, so when similar questions are asked, we tend to get the same answers.

This is not a complaint, it's just an observation.
I agree with the observation. To be honest, I don't know how much difference you can put in answering the same question, over and over again.

Personally, I tailor my answers every time. The content is probably the same, just not the delivery.
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Cris Casey Managing Director| Exertus, Inc.
Jul 19, 2016 7:59 AM
Replying to Eduard Hernandez
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I may add a new quote from someone who I can't recall right now, which is in alignment with Picasso's:

When I talk, I am just repeating what I already know. When I listen (or read) I might well be learning something new.
While you make a great point about listening, there is an old Irish proverb which I think is also applicable: "How do I know what I'm thinking until I hear what I have to say?" In this instance, articulating a question/comment helps to validate understanding regardless of whether feedback is received or not.
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Mansoor Mustafa Senior PM| Government Department Rawalpindi Punjab, Pakistan
Question and Answer is a learning process. It is to be appreciated that people are at least participating in one out of them. How ever the third category mention by Brian may also be learning in process
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
Stephane,

It is true that some ask question and don't provide answer and some provide most of the answers. Some just listen on the side, and hopefully learn.

Maybe some answer on specific subject and ask on other!

In term of learning getting the same answer presented differently is excellent.
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MANSOUR THABET ALQUBATY System Controller| Teleyemen Sana'A, N/A, Yemen
Hello,
I agree by George Lewis.
I have one point on researching ready answers ( is not refresh) and information might not updated.However fresh question might have acknowledgment.
On second hand it is a community and PM and its practices always updated from time to time.

Finally its a choice of member participate which trend he choose.

BR,
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Luis Branco CEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, Ldª Carcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
All people are different
Some prefer to read and comment on what they read.
Others prefer to ask.
Which of these positions adds the most value?
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LORI WILSON RETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint Health Clarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Stéphane: Your point about trends is well taken, and I am thankful for all the ways people are willing to contribute – including reading only and questions re-asked. When someone responds with “I agree” that is even OK with me – it is their perspective as well, their “vote”. I learn so much from my respected colleagues on this site and appreciate the thought-provoking questions and responses. You all help me grow and learn every time I visit this site. Thank you to everyone for whatever level of contribution you share. When you participate in these discussions it is valuable for us all!
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Maya Kalach Head of PMO, IT| Middle East Airlines Beirut, Lebanon
Both ways are essential for both self development and networking
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