Why do you ask?

It's an attempt to understand.

how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Arrojo:
Don't you think it's a question worth asking?

<HR>

Does a question need to be worth asking?

Ok, if you're looking for serious answers:

People often use questions as conversation starters. Sometimes they're just blather: How are you? What's up? Sometimes it's a rhetorical question: What's wrong with Obama? I'll tell you... Sometimes it's an expression of genuine curiosity How do you like your new job? What kind of pet do you have? and sometimes it's out of a genuine desire for information: What do I do about my vomiting dog?

Questions as a conversation starter invoke a response, and make the responder feel good. Zhe cares about me! Zhe values my opinion!

Threads that preach aren't as interesting as those that pose questions. Do any of us really care about Xero's philosophy on the relative merits of liberal arts vs. engineering education? Are any of us likely to change our political/religious/childrearing beliefs based on some ponification on a web board? (rhetorical question, answer: no!)

Brag threads can be fun: I did it! Look at my new toy! Look at my new child/pet/appliance! because we all like to applaud or criticize.

But a question's a reliable conversation starter, don't you think?

What?