For a quick response, ideally formulate a forum question in a way that is easy to answer. If it is more involved, see My block does not work! There is also some detailed advice at Getting help on the Forums.

Most forum members like to be helpful. If a question remains unanswered, it is usually because those who have read it do not know the answer. Sometimes it is because the question is not clear, in which case the usual response is to ask for clarification. Sometime it is because the scope of the question is just too big.

Sometimes it is because it takes time for an answer. Sometimes it is because a question has dropped off the top of the list, so a weekly post to ‘bump’ the thread can bring it back to attention.

Very occasionally a question is unanswered because it is just plain lazy along the lines that “I can’t be bothered to do my homework, so someone here can do it for me”. Very occasionally, its because a question is asked in a belligerent way or the user asking has built a reputation for shooting the messenger, so those in the know have learned not to get drawn in. “Don’t feed the troll”.

Moderators and Administrators

While here, lets clarify the role of a moderators and administrators. Whilst someone who answers questions may also be a moderator or administrator of a forum, answering questions is not in the 'job' description for moderators or for administrators.

The role of a moderator is to moderate. Not to answer. That mostly involves removing spam and very occasionally stepping in to help keep things civil. The role of an administrator is to administer the technical running of the forums. Both roles are not to answer questions.