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#1: Initial revision by user avatar The Amplitwist‭ · 2020-12-28T06:49:37Z (over 3 years ago)
One long-standing issue on Math StackExchange is the policy on "problem-statement questions", or PSQs in short. The current policy there is that questions must provide sufficient context, and there is a close reason specifically for questions that lack context. There are highly active users on Math SE with widely differing views on what counts as sufficient context, especially for questions in low-level math (i.e. school or undergraduate level).

The issue comes up in several contexts: sometimes in debates on Math Meta SE between the more vocal groups of supporters for stringent vs. relaxed enforcement of the policy, and also in the context of closing and deletion of questions taking place through the chatroom CURED.

Another related issue is that of duplication of answers beyond the point of usefulness. Many low-level questions have already been answered thoroughly, and are still asked by new users quite regularly (perhaps many new users do not choose to try and search the site for their question first, and also perhaps because searching for math expressions isn't easy). Current policy is to close these newer questions as duplicates of older questions with more thorough answers. There was also a push to compile a list of "abstract duplicates" on Math Meta SE, though that effort seems to have petered down.

The $n$-fold duplication of answers, especially by users who seem to chase after reputation points rather than engage in housekeeping activities, is combated somewhat in the chatroom CURED, but again there are differing opinions and it leads to some acrimonious debates between highly vocal users.



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Since Math Codidact does not carry the baggage of Math SE, we have a chance to develop a clear policy that addresses these issues even before they occur. This could also be favourable to many knowledgeable answerers on Math SE who are tired of the current deadlock and may be looking for a different platform.


(Also, for what it's worth, I had nearly 10,000 reputation points and close to 300 answers on Math SE before I deleted my SE accounts network-wide.)