Is it rude when no one replies to a reasonable question? Especially when you know that the question has been viewed by many!

Angie

Depends on the question. Sometimes I will pop into a topic that has a simple subject line of "I need help" only to find it's a fondant or gumpaste question, in which I have zero expertise. So I pop out without commenting because I have nothing to contribute.

I have no idea how the questions you are referring to were headlined, but just in general, I'd like to suggest really good subject lines. Instead of "I need help" perhaps expand it to "I need help with a fondant question". THen those who have no fondant expertise (like me) woulnd't pop in unnecessarily.

if you mean you are getting upset that no one answers a question in a forum like this, I would have to say yes, you are being too sensitive.

This is one of those instances when BUMP is an appropriate technique.

If a period of time goes by without an answer, it is a good time to add another post to your thread reminding people you still need help on the topic.

Sometimes it takes awhile before the person with the right answer comes looking. Most of your views are going to be people wondering the same thing and hoping you got a reply.

Yes, you are being too sensitive... I know it is hard - sometimes if my posts don't get a prompt answer I feel like I am being ignored or not part of the "in crowd" or something! But really people don't mean things personally. I agree with PPs - a lot of Views might just mean a lot of people don't know the answer either, or are just wondering what your question is (if the subject line doesn't make it clear). If you get desperate just post another plea. People do want to help!

Hang in there

I agree with indydebi, I love to look at the questions and suggestions but there are just some topics that I know nothing about. So therefore I don't reply. But I would also be the first one to offer help/suggestion if I had one.

I agree with you completely, leily.

Okay, I can accept the responses that I've received but I would like to elaborate a bit on my position. In my opinion, my subject lines aren't anymore trivial then some of the others that I seen in this forum. Going forward, I will try to be more to the point in my subject lines. If anyone needs further proof of my subject lines/posts, please take a look at them for yourself.

Thanks to all!
Angie

I find sometimes its good to wait at least 24 hours..I think some have to wait until after work and then check the recent posts, and then answer. I have thought in the past that nobody would answer and then by the next day I had several replies. Also make sure you mark your post that you want to be updated with replies.

I agree too, sometimes I view a topic, realize that my opinion would mean nothing, and bow back out.

I think sometimes you can do a search and find an answer. If it a simple question, I pop right out.
People always ask about smoothing icing, is box or scratch better, and other questions that could be easily found if you search.

i agree, that often i don't answer because i think they could just do a search for their answer. if they are new, i will answer, because they may not have discovered the search function (took me like a month ) but for someone whos been around a while, its a little frustrating to answer the same questions over and over and over.

beccakelly, my misunderstanding then! I've seen just what you are referring to. Thanks for clarifying!

In that case, I usually say something like "I had the same question a while back and I found a lot of information using the search term ____. See if that works for you, and if not, let me know and I'll try to give you some more direction." Usually there's a lot more info than I can repeat, and I feel like they get a better answer by reading through the thread(s) on the topic. If it's something quick, I might say "Yes, you can do that (or no, as appropriate). Try running a search on ____ for more info."

i wonder if this is in some way related to two things:

1) the very nature of the structure of forums -- that stuff is scattered all over everywhere...even the articles barely scratch the surface of all the data here on CC -- would be interesting if there was a metalink page -- a master page of links to the most commonly asked questions (an FAQ -- in bright red, flashing icon -- look here first! -- and, tho' she may hit me -- i suggest JanH as the: oh empress of links? -- link czarina? )

2) something that is slowly driving me out of teaching -- "why should I have to work for the answer -- just give it to me"

Doug has gotta point... actually two (from a fellow teacher AMEN and preach on). Interesting idea.

I really think it just depends on the question, who's lurking around, etc., as to how many responses one gets. And part of the problem is that you're too daggum smart, TexasSugar (and others). If you ask a newbie question, I can answer it (maybe), and I'd bet a lot of easy questions get answered because a lot of people know the answer - especially since when you're really new it's exciting enough just to know the answer and help someone else out.

But you folks who have been doing this stuff awhile have forgotten more than I know, so when you ask the hard questions there's not much I can do but watch and wait to see if someone answers!

i think you are being too sensitive... and i mean that in the nicest way.

i think we've all experienced a long wait for a response at one time or another. you can't take it personally.
what i would suggest is that you try the search feature first. then, if you don't find your answer, try your question in the forums.
also, make sure that your post title is clear. personally, i won't even open a thread with an ambiguous title. short and concise post titles are the ones that i will take the time to open up. but, thats just me.
when the post title is misleading, often times i will open it up, read it and then close it. other times, i will read a post and not have the experience or information to add, so i will close it.
it just depends.

whatever the case, don't feel shunned or left out. there are tons and tons of members here and pretty much everyone is willing to help in any way they can. just give it a little time and the right cake guru will eventually find your question.

Like others have said before me, when they read something and have no answers or nothing to offer I don't. I don't know if you're being too sensitive but when I post something in the forums if I don't receive a response I don't consider it rude at all. I actually feel like it's a privilege to get feedback or a response.