[seanp2k2]

This. If I don't have time, I'll say "I can look at this at [time]" or just not answer if I'm e.g. presenting or something. It makes my life a lot easier when someone just gives me the facts, and it gets them to done faster as well. Pleasantries are fine and great, but in work chat, I don't consider it rude to just ask a question to someone directly. Ideally, a channel can answer, but sometimes you're working with someone specific on a thing. I also don't have a problem referring people to channels when I don't have time or don't want to get into the habit of answering that type of thing myself 100% of the time.

TL;DR help the person you want help from by doing the legwork of figuring out the exact error, and get to the point where you're asking an answerable question. Give them all the relevant details, and try to take as little of their time as possible. This, to me, is a sign of professional politeness and respect. It also tends to get you an answer quickly, and a high likelihood of that person helping you again in the future.