How do I write a good answer?

Here are a few general things to keep in mind:

Be polite
Take your time and think it through
Good spelling and grammar help a lot!
Do not curse
Don't use all capital letters - people will think you're "yelling"
If it helps illustrate your point, include an image or a video
Don't just say "I don't know" or "If you do a search, you can find the answer" - It just isn't a very helpful answer, and oftentimes people are asking here because they've already tried to use a search engine and still couldn't find what they wanted.
Cite your sources - people are more likely to believe you if you can back up what you say. The best way to cite a source is to paste the link right into your answer
When giving a link to a page with the answer, also provide a summary the answer. This way, if the site you're linking to goes down, people on Answerbag will still get a good answer, not just a broken link
Stick to the facts - if you can cite specific facts, events, or your experience, your answer will appear more authoritative
Do not belittle the questioner. Everyone deserves an answer!

Be sure to look around at other good answers on Answerbag, and you'll get an idea pretty quickly of what people like to see in an answer, and what they don't!

Comments

Thank you very much! Sorry about the last point... I guess I am a grammar Nazi. I really hope that people start to improve their grammar. This is not MySpace!
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by EL1 2 on February 12th, 2007
ok thanks. I will keep them in mind.
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by tinybubbles is cancer free on February 12th, 2007
dangg i guess i need to improve my grammer!
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by Miss. Tandra on February 19th, 2007
thanks for the tips ABJoel. i love AB. i aways try and display some air of respect and common courtesy when i answer. keep up the good work mate!
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by Juggernaut on February 21st, 2007
From the horses mouth ... lol ... +
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by Universe Of Life on March 13th, 2007
How do I put an Image to my answer?
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by Hazard on August 5th, 2007
thanks for this. too good n helpful for the new joiners...
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by PrettyPrati on October 5th, 2007
I'm going to use this answer as a link in
my comment field every time I receive a bad
answer.
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by Kevisaurus is a Carnotaurus today on November 18th, 2007
kev kev I will too
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by Malek Murad on January 16th, 2008
Que bueno.
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by Kevisaurus is a Carnotaurus today on January 16th, 2008
thanks and nice ideas
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by yoshi on April 8th, 2008
Thank you AB-Joel for your response to "How do I write a good answer?". Your thoughts and your language flair really teach me a lot as to how to write well. I am hoping to sit at your feet to learn more from you. Warmest regards, Lee KS of Malaysia.
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by leeks5229 on April 16th, 2008
thank you very much
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by lingDa on April 18th, 2008
very good AB-Joel as a new person on ab i thank you for your time and very good advise. again thank you.
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by Redman on April 21st, 2008
Awesome!
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by mxiau88 on May 15th, 2008
hi im new i like being on the computer im a good highscorer
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by deathx on May 17th, 2008
thanks for all
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by Anonymous on July 11th, 2008
Good principles, But I feel you do need to type some words in CAPITALS to get a point across,there is no underlining facility.
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by Tel UK-fishing for clues on July 18th, 2008
Way to answer your own question...
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by Stevopedia on July 18th, 2008
AB Joel, You are so right. I bet you are very considerate.
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by ms.deb on September 29th, 2008
AB, I even gave you a helpful rate.
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by ms.deb on September 29th, 2008
Thanks Joel, Im gonna work on putting this on my profile in the next few weeks, this answer is a helpful reference for new users.
☺
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by Chris on December 2nd, 2008
Wait a minute, u asked this question, but then u answered it? Wha?????!!!!!!???????
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by Mexico Dude on December 11th, 2008
AB-Joel,.. You look like you might pull a little weight around AB.
Can you find my new email on vanrijngo level one and do what has to be done and email me what I need to do to get this little mishap straightened out. Thanks
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by vanrijngo on December 15th, 2008
how did you write that whole answer in 4 minutes
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by SenatorsFan22 on December 23rd, 2008
Joel has magical powers
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by Chris on December 23rd, 2008
lol
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by SenatorsFan22 on December 24th, 2008
That's pretty deep and thorough for just four minutes!
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by laksjfdhasdlkjfhalsdjfh on December 31st, 2008
??????????????????
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by Mexico Dude on January 3rd, 2009
Thanks !!!
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by SBTroy on January 4th, 2009
poop
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by Big Butt on November 9th, 2009
Very informative and helpful. Thanks for that foundation to build from.
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by Ronn DA Donn on November 24th, 2009
i think i broke some of these guidelines,i will do better
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by d man on December 8th, 2009