I always award a best answer, think the poster deserves it, but noticed very few best answers are awarded especially on long threads and there have been some cracking replies, are the posters too lazy to reply or read all the posts, think the Ed should give an award weekly or monthly to the best post and answer encourage everyone to take part!
Sometimes there are more than one best answers and me personally don't like to show favoritism, so, I don't on such threads of my own. However, I think your idea is a good one.
I can't pick my nose so picking a best answer is nigh on impossible here.....
Could have an Ed's awards section - oh - that should up the threads by 20% on "why hasn't mine been chosen?" That would be a positive for Ed as it ups his circulation figures.
Cari....let me let you in to a little secret...."How to get a best answer."
1) Agree with the opinion of the OP.....otherwise you are stuffed.
2) Make sure it is an ABer that likes you.....otherwise forget it.
3) Make your answer verbose and agreeing with the masses.
4) Say something bloody stupid.
I tend to only pick a best answer if I have a specific question that has a 'right' answer... general chitter chatter or discussion threads I wouldn't have a best answer.
it tells you what the best answer is maybe? If Iask what is six times seven, the first person to answer "42" gets it. This will save a lot of time for the next person asking the same question, or wanting to ask about the meaning of life.