[z-e-r-o]

For me, this should be called stackoverflow debugging. I genuinely solved a lot of my problems by trying to write a _good_ question on SO about my problem. The problem seems really difficult when I try to ask it in one sentence, just out of my head. However once I try to describe the background, what I'm trying to achieve, what I'm using, when does the problem happen, simplified down to sub-cases, usually by the time I'd be 80% ready with writing the question, I realize the answer.

[Semaphor]

That happens to me a lot. Most of the time I just formulate the question I have in my head into something coherent and by that point I either have the solution, know what to search for or, in case it's not a question but a comment, I realize it's not worth saying.

[confluence]

I'm a serial SO self-answerer. I write really in depth, complicated questions for complicated problems, with code, data and testable cases - and by the time I've finished the question and posted it - I've figured out the solution - or I'll have it a few hours later.

I usually just leave the question/answer online so that others can benefit for it.

[robotic]

I've made several posts to SO and then realize the answer moments later. I usually just self-answer.

[elcodedocle]

Same here: I've been working on a couple of projects by myself for the most part of last year, and when even the duck failed, I could usually figure out an answer just by trying to find the words to post my problem in SO in a way somebody would take the time to read it and be able to answer it. I don't recommend it as a first approach, though, since it's quite time consuming (Or maybe I should blame it on not being a native speaker...)

[aroman]

Likewise for me, but with IRC. Though I suppose I should try asking on SO first to save myself the semi-public embarrassment ;)

[s_baby]

Yup, the incentive is there to state your problem as clearly as possible to get back a good response. By doing this I answer my own question half of the time.