Quora has launched a new feature called Online Now, which will be seen in its existing Ask to Answer product. It allows users to see when experts “who might be able to help” with their questions are actually available at that time to answer. This can be particularly helpful if the question is time sensitive.
The feature comes with privacy controls, so you don’t have to let people know when you’re online if you don’t want to. Just go to the settings and make the necessary adjustments.
“One of the most amazing experiences on Quora is getting a great answer quickly,” says Quora’s Joel Lewenstein. “Fast answers are magical — they satisfy your curiosity and help you make informed decisions. Fast answers are especially valuable when you are mobile and have questions that need answers right now.”
“Ask to Answer suggestions identify people who are likely to provide a good answer because they have answered similar questions in the past,” adds Lewenstein. “Starting today, if one or more of these people are active on Quora now, you’ll see an Online Now label and a blue button prompting you to ask the person to answer your question.”
Quora notes that it has improved its suggestions algorithm, so it can suggest the best people whether they’re online or not.