Why do people answer questions? What is the ...

I can't really answer that, as there are many people, each of them unique and special and has different motivations for doing different things.

However, I can assume by answering a question a person can feel she's helping out, and helping out often makes you feel good about yourself. On a more personal note I can tell you that I find the variety of topics and interests of others around me fascinating, and more than once found myself spending almost an hour reading more and more about a topic I knew nothing about before, and which I only encountered trying to answer a question on Yedda.

What would make you answer questions? 

i agree with Neta, everyone has different motivations, but i see it as if you get information it's nice to give back, though not required.

my motivation is , not only do i (hopefully!!) help someone get the answers they need but whilst answering them it makes things clearer in you own head, althought you know certain things, untill you actually put it on paper or explain it to someone it never become completely clear.

so not only are you helping them you are helping yourself, and you don't have to answer questions that bore you, "how do i change a light bulb!?" just answer things you are curious about.

hope this helps and hope you will answer some of my questions!???

http://yedda.com/questions/answer_yedda_1862196525219/#postId4950020154141

People answer questions because they care about people,in this day and age this is exactly what we need in our society.Thats the problem some people dont care enough,and only do things when there is a payment.Thank goodness there are still people who do care,all credit to all the people who take time out of there busy schedule to help someone  else with a problem.Cheers all Louise