Vector of pointers: Push back objects/const parameters

[dleanjeanz]

I have a class called Question:

#include <string>
#include <vector>

using namespace std;

class Question {
	string title;
	vector<Thing*> posAns;
	vector<Thing*> negAns;
public:
	Question(const string&);
	void AddThing(const Thing&, const char&);
};

void Question::AddThing(const Thing& thing, const char& answer) {
	switch (answer) {
	case 'Y':
		posAns.push_back(&thing); //error
		break;

	case 'N':
		negAns.push_back(&thing); //error
		break;
	}
}

error: no instance of overloaded function 'std::vector::push_back()' matches the arguments list
argument types are (const Thing *)
object type is: std:: vector<Thing *, std::allocator<Thing *>>

So it cannot be constant, what if I just leave it non-constant? Will it be safe?

[AbstractionAnon]

Will it be safe?

Only as safe as your code.

Why are you pushing pointers? This is a practice that should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It opens up the possibility of memory leaks.

Why not simply declare posAns and negAns as vector<Thing> ? Then you won't have a possibility of memory leaks or the const issue.

[dleanjeanz]

I'm making a 20 question style game. The pointers are for AI purpose. I haven't known are the pointers neccessary yet. So...