[anitil]

I do the same. But the benefit to me is that by the time I've written out the message and checked my work I've usually solved the problem. So it's like rubber-ducking but with social consequences attached which makes my brain actually pay attention.

[rconti]

Sometimes I do- But unfortunately usually what happens is I just keep thinking of NEW, less-and-less likely things to work, and never get around to asking for help (or wait too long). What I likely need is a fresh perspective -- someone else's FIRST idea -- not for someone to think of "my" 9th best idea.