[walshemj]

Not in my experience on the workplace so - in some cases the answer the OP needs is "NO do not do that", but the highest rated answer is long one that really does give the answer that is needed.

Sometimes you have to work out the underlying Q is and answer that even if the OP doesn't want to hear it.

[boomlinde]

I much prefer the answers that explain why, if you really shouldn't do something in addition to an answer to the actual question. Usually there are perfectly valid reasons to do things you "shouldn't" and until you know that there isn't one you should just answer the question.

[Can_Not]

> Sometimes you have to work out the underlying Q is and answer that even if the OP doesn't want to hear it.

And often times you have people trying to "work out the underlying Q" leaving your question still open but with useless answers.