Why do people on answers give you a star for your question but don't answer it?

Question

This happens to me frequently, and makes me wonder are they shy and retiring, observing but nervous of giving an answer

Answer 1

Maybe they want to know the answer to the question also, but don't want to post "I want to know that to" for fear that someone will report them.

Answer 2

Perhaps they feel their views have already been covered by someone else or that they cant be bothered to answer but just want to leave a star. i have done both before.

Answer 3

So my contacts will notice it - especially if I know one one my contacts is a specialist in the topic being discussed.

For example, I know at least 2 of the users in my contact list are nurses. So if I didn't know a medical answer (very likely) I would star the question and let one of them answer

It's not malicious or nasty, just trying to be helpful

Answer 4

they just can't answer you questions.

Answer 5

I've done that.Usually it's because I found the question interesting but someone has already given pretty much the same answer I would have put.

Answer 6

I sometimes star because I like the question or maybe it is one I was about to ask myself. Just because it is an interesting question does not mean I have an answer.

Answer 7

Hi,I have give a few stars & not answered.The reason being I believe they have got the answer.

Answer 8

I sometimes give a star for a good joke but don't always post an answer/ reply as I think a star is enough to show appreciation sometimes.

Answer 9

I  guess they just want to give you a star because they like the question but dont really no how to answer it.

Answer 10

because they can

Answer 11

Because they think your question is good, like the answers supplied and generally think your a good guy. OK I'll give you a star but please don't cry

Answer 12

you are probably asking a question they want to know the answer to , not everyone on here knows everything

Answer 13

maybe they think its a good question  and would also like to know the answer.  pointless answering if they don't know the answer

Answer 14

They are curious.

Answer 15

Sometimes I just star a question because I'm interested to see what other people have to say about it.  It's not an award; it just means someone is interested in your question.

Answer 16

Yeah.......... and they give out thumbs down without answering too.........

Whats that all about ?

Answer 17

i've done it before if i've seen a cool question but i didnt have anymore answers left for the day

Answer 18

maybe they ran out of answering questions for the day, like the limit of answering.  but they leave a star beacause they wish they could answer it lol.

Answer 19

they probably star the question to return later & answer it.

maybe?

perhaps they get waylaid or forget.

Answer 20

I star some Q's because I don't know the answer myself,so then I can go back & check on it & see if I can get another brain cell working,I'm doing quite well on here now my 2 brain cells ent so lonely anymore,I'm learning :)

Answer 21

Because sometimes they want to see the answers duh, a star means they found your question interesting so maybe they dont have an answer but they would like to see what others say.

Answer 22

I have done this,thinking its an intersting question,but haven't an answer right a way will come back to it.Some times I do and other times I don't.Sorry.

Answer 23

Nice people do that.

Answer 24

most of the time its because they are interested to see what the answers are without answering themselves

Answer 25

like Ollie...

I sometimes find an interesting Q with a great existing answer...

so... STARS if the Q is star-worthy!

;-)

have a good night!

(and a star!)

Answer 26

What difference does it make

Answer 27

I agree with all Izo has said, but will add the some people whom i know dont like me star my question only for the reason that they want their friends to see it so they too can come on and either side with them or give abuse too. This happens to other people too.

Answer 28

They like the answers that's why to acknowledge his/her appreciation they give you star. But it depends that how much star you get. Don't underestimate anyone, if the reply is decent, specific or very categorical then certainly the questioner happily approves.

It becomes true happiness if someone gets reply of his question very adequate and reasonable for the question he aired.

Answer 29

maybe because they like the question, but don't know the answer

Answer 30

Perhaps someone has already given the answer that they were going to give, but still thought it was a good question.

Answer 31

Good question - was just wondering same myself - have a star !