What is the fundamental trade-off between answer length and engagement on the Quora platform, considering the content ranking algorithm?

The trade-off is between providing comprehensive information and maintaining user attention. Longer answers can offer greater depth and demonstrate expertise, potentially leading to higher rankings if they are perceived as valuable. However, they require a greater time investment from the reader, increasing the risk of losing their attention and reducing engagement (upvotes, shares, and comments). Shorter answers are easier to consume and may generate more immediate engagement, but they may lack the depth needed to fully address the question and establish authority. The optimal length balances comprehensiveness with readability, providing enough information to be helpful without overwhelming the reader. For instance, a complex technical question might require a longer, more detailed answer, while a simple question can be addressed with a concise, easily digestible response.