<blockquote>
  <p>Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.</p>
  
  <p>--- Benjamin Franklin, 1706–1790</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The purpose of SE sites is to collect responses to specific questions, and elect the best one so that future visitors facing similar dilemma will know what's the correct solution is. In the meantime, newcomers can add their thoughts and a "correct answer" might evolve. In my view, SE sites are dynamic systems; they will evolve as new technologies, new users, new contexts of use will emerge around them. Whenever a new question comes up, I'll expect from the "best" answer to truly <em>answer the question</em>, but also to help the OP <em>learning from it</em>; this may be about improving question, referring to well-acknowledged references, sharing one's experience with similar problem, stimulating his own interest in learning more.</p>

<p>Sometimes, questions are subjective--but within the scope defined in our FAQ--enough not to warrant a definitive answer: They merely call for one's opinion on a specific problem, ask for a (big-)list of references, or whatever might be considered on-topic here. This is what we consider as CW questions. There's simply no definitive, objective, or perfect answer, so let's collect a bunch of ideas or opinions in a thread. No one will earn reputation from that. But we are not here for that purpose; we all are here to learn from others, and share our own experience. The OP might be aware of that but isn't allowed to convert it as such. He can just <em>flag it for mod attention</em>, or put an <em>addendum in his post</em>. We as mods are likely to notice it within respectable delays. In fact, it is good when the OP himself thinks his question might be best suited as a CW question. Otherwise, let's let the community decide on its status. It is especially true about newcomers who don't necessarily know about SE guidelines.</p>

<p>In conclusion, what I expect from you is to be aware of when one of your questions isn't really calling for a definitive response; otherwise, just ask the community: "Is it a candidate question for a CW thread?", in your question or in a comment. The community will "vote on it".</p>
