Often times an answer to a question may raise further questions. Sometimes the follow-up questions might be directly related to the original question, while at times they may be tangential.
This issue would especially come up with source-based answers. Imagine if someone asks a question as to why a particular mitzvah does not have a beracha. Imagine someone posts an answer quoting an authoritative rabbinic source with an explanation. Now let's say there is an obvious question on this (like some other mitzvah that would appear to be in the same category, yet does have a beracha). Should the answerer address this follow-up question in his answer?
It would appear that the original question was technically answered as soon as the source was cited (provided that it meets guidelines such as not link-only, contains translation/summary, etc.). But many readers will still have this follow-up question when reading the answer.
- Should the answerer include further details that would address the follow-up question, even though it is not the exact question asked in the original post?
- Does it make a difference how closely related the follow-up question is?
- Does it make a difference if the follow-up question is answered by the source itself?
- Does it make a difference if the answer post is already 10 paragraphs long, or just two sentences?
- Should the follow-up question be addressed in a footnote?
- Should the follow-up question be addressed in a comment?
- Should the follow-up question be noted (either in the post or in a comment) with a statement that it is beyond the scope of this answer?
- Does it make a difference how likely it is for readers to ask the follow-up question?
- Does it make a difference if someone actually does ask the follow-up question?(I.e. should you edit the post if someone asks the question in a comment?)
- Any other possibilities that I am missing?
Note, I am referring to a case where the answer itself is clear and understandable. The follow-up question is not asking to clarify what the answer means, but is asking a question on the answer.