What types of questions should I avoid asking?

Overview

Use these tips to identify question types to avoid and improve your chances of receiving helpful answers.

Keep questions focused and answerable

Avoid posting a question if:

• It's so broad that an entire book could answer it.
• You want to start a discussion rather than get an explanation.
• There's no concrete problem to solve.

Avoid these subjective question types

To prevent your question from being flagged and possibly removed, avoid subjective questions where:

• Every answer is equally valid, for example, "What's your favorite tool for ______?"
• You post your own answer alongside the question and expect more alternatives, for example, "I use ______ for ______. What do you use?"
• There's no actual problem, for example, "I'm curious whether other people feel this way."
• The premise is hypothetical, for example, "What if ______ happened?"
• The question is a complaint in disguise, for example, "______ sucks, am I right?"

Subjective questions

Some subjective questions are acceptable, but "subjective" doesn't mean anything goes. A constructive subjective question:

• Asks for explanations of "why" or "how."
• Invites detailed answers, not one-liners.
• Has a fair, impartial tone.
• Encourages sharing real experience, not just opinion.
• Asks contributors to back up opinions with facts or references.
• Addresses a real challenge, not just casual social interest.

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