I’ve found ESR’s “how to ask questions the smart way” [0] to be really helpful in these situations on both the asking and answering.
If I’m asking a question I explain what I’m trying to figure out, what I’ve tried, what I expect, what I’ve researched. Basically helping the answerer not waste as much time covering the same ground.
If I’m answering questions and don’t get this info, I ask it. And establish the expectation that this info helps me answer their question.
About 70% of the time, the asker adds in more info. 25% of the time I don’t hear back. 5% of the time I get a complaint that they are too busy or can’t answer the questions.
If I’m asking a question I explain what I’m trying to figure out, what I’ve tried, what I expect, what I’ve researched. Basically helping the answerer not waste as much time covering the same ground.
If I’m answering questions and don’t get this info, I ask it. And establish the expectation that this info helps me answer their question.
About 70% of the time, the asker adds in more info. 25% of the time I don’t hear back. 5% of the time I get a complaint that they are too busy or can’t answer the questions.
[0] http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html