Sticky threads are different from sticky posts (few forum have this) If you posted and it appeared ok then it disappeared afterward, it has been moved or removed by moderator (sometimes without telling you) It happens to me several times (disappointing since it's a post to help others) But it is what it is. Moderators tries to keep threads clean and organized so they have the power. I think of it as a trade off. Some questions are never answered and some takes a long time; but try not to double posts. I think off topic posts are ok but not encouraged (and moderators usually cleans it off by moving it later or deletes it) Useless posts like just saying "thanks" are pretty much destined to be removed because they just cluttered up the threads (use "LIKE this post" for just saying thanks) You can say thanks if it's part of meaningful comments. What's bother me is the constant posts asking the same questions that has already been answered. It's probably driving old moderators like Neil and Catymag nuts (I know I get tired of them*) So when we have a thread that is useful, we sticky it so it easily available. Don't get discouraged if you're on a learning curved, we all started out that way. But some of us are driving on that highway with a bicycle and some of us are using a motorcycle. For those on bicycle they soaked in the scenery and for those on motorcycle they soaked in road bugs.
* duplicate posts not old moderators