It can be if you put your question on your scratchpad and use the CB to communicate answers/changes/suggestions.

I knew it would be suggested; but it's still not a viable alternative.

I've done it. I did it yesterday. ( See the top section of BrowserUk's scratchpad.) But as a process, it stinks.

1. If the right people aren't around when you post your question in the CB; you're sh*t outta luck.
2. If there is something "going on"* in the CB when you ask, then questions, answers, everything else just gets lost in the noise.

   *Like the recent fracas I mentioned above, which I heard you were one of those involved. (I just heard about it I didn't witness it!)

3. If questions arise, you end up giving the same answer to many different questioners.

   a) because they don't see someone else already asked; b) because they don't see it's been answered.

4. When people want to suggest modifications or alternative implementations; they then have to post them on their scratchpads; and then /msg you to say its there.

   And if you have multiple people offering solutions; it becomes a total nightmare trying to coordinate between them and you; you and them; and between them and them when they are either duplicating each others efforts or contradicting each others advice.

5. Questions and responses get out of sync.

   Its like that Monty Python sketch were the quiz show candidate opts to answer the question before the last question asked. You never catch up.

All the things that make hierarchal message boards superior to free-form irc+pastebin.