Category Archives: About AP

Why'd you do that?

Dear Answer Person:

Are you compensated in cash, per question or per hour?  If you are not financially compensated what motivates your devotion?

As I’ve noted before, I have no financial incentive for answering questions.  I wish I could say I do it for my love of humanity, but in truth I answer the questions because I get a cookie and a gentle pat on the head for each answer.

Practice doesn't necessarily mean perfect

Dear Answer Person,

Two things, really:

  1. If I practice every day, despite starting as an adult, will I improve on my instrument of choice?
  2. How did Perkins ever get such a wise person as you to answer questions?

Unfortunately, I know too many people whose desire far outstrips their ability when it comes to playing an instrument.  With practice, you might improve on your instrument of choice, but may never become adroit.  Keep at it, though.

On your second question, I’m both flattered and flabbergasted.  If I’m what passes for wise, we’re in serious trouble!

Final answer is . . .

When was this book started?  Where are the past Q&A’s archived?  What, in your opinion, are the 5 best questions asked in the past 5 years?  Thanks. [3554C]

This book started in 1982, so Answer Person began answering questions nearly thirty years ago. Past questions and answers, whether from the lobby book or online, are archived at the Answer Person site. I’m not sure what the top five questions in the past five years were, but this one is at the very top!

Has all the answers

Dear AP, How do you know the answers to EVERYTHING?  And also, why does [Duke prof.]  hate me? [3356B]

When I myself went to college, I simply majored in “everything.”   I doubt if Prof. [x] hates you.  Why don’t you try impressing him with a spectacularly researched paper and erudite answers on exams?

Jealous of AP?

Why does Duke have such a pointless thing as an Answer Person while other colleges don’t? – Penn Student [3353A]

Oh, I’m sure that Penn has a lot of pointless things, too. Incidentally, plenty of other universities have answer people, although pale impostors of the real thing. The University of Chicago library’s online suggestions/comments (Maroon Opinions) even credits the Perkins answer person as an inspiration:

Time to answer

Crossed out: How long does it take to answer a question? 1/16/07
[Written below:] Is [Duke student name] the most sexual food? [3339A]

These days, it seems to take about a month. Well, really only a few minutes, but there’s usually a lag while I let them ripen before I answer. 2/14/2007

Likening someone to food is somewhat demeaning, don’t you think? Where’s your civility?