Whilst I would agree econgdon could have been a little more diplomatic, I would have to agree that a travel agent or google would be more appropriate places for answers to these questions.
Whilst i'm sure 99% of posters will provide accurate advice, when it comes to something as important as a visa, the consultates website is probably a better place to rely on such information.
I certainly wouldn't want to discourage people posting on the web forum, but just think sometimes there could be better avenues for their questions, especially given something of such gravity as Visa's.
TG