<p>As a quick response, I think that we should focus on point (2) above because I presume everyone agrees that econometrics is on-topic: what should we do with bad questions?</p>

<p>In my view, I could have seen that question rephrased in such a way that it could have been interesting.  I was formulating an answer myself before the deluge of downvoting/close votes.  I would rather have given it some time asking for further clarification.  I see no evidence that the question was spam; at worst, it was a bad question.  But this isn't a good way to treat a new visitor to the site.</p>
