How do we preserve a Google answers item? Do we just save it ourselves
as an Internet Explorer item (FILE --> Save as). If we do not take a
specific action do the items just expire off Google Answers?

Grthumongous --

You've identified the correct way to save a Google Answers item: it's
a "permanent" URL.

Using the Google Answers home page, you'll also be able to find this
question by its ID number, 307593.  That isn't to say that 307,593
questions have been posted here yet but rather that this is the
307,593rd transaction within Google Answers (that includes comments
and requests-for-clarification).

Now you may be interested in proof that Google Answers are enduring:
the following is the first recorded question posted on April 10, 2002,
when the Google Answers beta test version first appeared.  This was
question number 2; it is widely believed by GA researchers that
question #1 went in simply to make sure that the database software was
working, then was removed:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=2

Of course to ensure permanence, it's always a good idea to make sure
that you've made a local copy the answer.  Since the pages are HTML
text, it's easy to copy to any word processor.  (Many researchers
prepare their answers in something like Microsoft Word and keep them
in the event of system crashes or changes.)

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

---

Request for Answer Clarification by grthumongous-ga on 23 Feb 2004 16:54 PST

Sorry to be slow  and obtuse ...

FILE --> Save as    Is this the permanent url?
Edit With Microsoft Word  Is this the way to "export the stuff into xyz.doc?

---

Clarification of Answer by omnivorous-ga on 23 Feb 2004 17:45 PST

Grthumongous --

You can save it that way, yes.
You can save the link via Favorites/Add to My Favorites.  By right
clicking the link under "Favorites" you can make it available offline.
Finally, you can copy all of the text and place it in a word-processor
document such as Microsoft Word.  Current versions of Word now capture
text formatting; hyperlinks and graphics (though Google Answers is a
non-graphical format).

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

Jolly good. Thanks....have yourself a porterhouse.

Thanks so much Grthumongous -- you've found my weak spot: food!