Quora Top Writers Store: A Mix of Enthusiasm and Skepticism

When Quora announced the concept of a Top Writers store, my initial reaction was curious rather than interested in purchasing anything. In my mind, the swag would serve as a badge of honor, akin to a trophy for a race winner or a statuette for an Academy Award winner. However, the core question arises: does it make sense for Quora to offer such an exclusive opportunity, and if so, what form should it take?

Initial Reactions and Concerns

In my mind, the Top Writer swag was something that I could show in public to signify that I had been awarded Top Writer status. However, I don’t feel that Quora owes me any free swag since I write here voluntarily. If something is supposed to be a significant award, I don’t want to have to pay for it. Similarly, if I were to win an Academy Award, I wouldn’t be paying for the statuette.

Attitude Before and After Viewing the Store

Before Viewing the Store: I have no problem with Quora offering Top Writers the opportunity to buy Quora Top Writer branded swag, such as clothing and other items. In fact, I’m a regular participant in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), where the organizers, the Office of Letters and Light, have a swag store. They also provide winners with the opportunity to buy competition-specific items, such as yearly NaNoWriMo Winner t-shirts. I currently own a NaNo hoodie and frequently wear it to Quora events and other writing-related gatherings.

I feel well disposed towards Quora and plan to take advantage of this opportunity to buy various Quora Top Writer swag. This isn't about being pressured to buy something, but rather the chance to do so if I choose to. I envision that next time I attend a Quora event, I can come dressed in Quora swag, adding a touch of recognition to the occasion.

After Viewing the Store: My initial sentiment quickly transformed into a state of bewilderment and disbelief. The store's offerings were bizarre and included items like triangles, pencils, and even a volcano themed item. It almost became a joke itemized list, leaving me questioning the purpose and appropriateness of the offerings.

I propose an alternative solution that aligns more closely with the spirit of an award. Providing Top Writers with some small amount of store credit or a gift certificate would have a significant positive impact. For example, a t-shirt or a pen, which could be ironic for a writing-focused site, would serve both as a genuine award and alleviate the feeling of it being marketed as an additional product rather than an honor. The amount need not be large; simply the value of a t-shirt or a pen would suffice.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Quora can maintain a balance between recognizing its most active and talented writers and not over-commercializing the platform. By offering a more meaningful and respectful form of acknowledgment, Quora can foster a sense of community and pride among its Top Writers. Whether through store credit, gift certificates, or even a simple badge, the aim should always be to celebrate the achievements of its writers without compromising on integrity.