The "Don't Ask to Ask" problem is when people say things like "Any Java experts here?" or "Can anyone help with CSS?" instead of just asking their actual question.

This is annoying because you're making people commit to helping you before they even know what you need help with, and lots of people who could actually answer your question won't respond to the vague "anyone know about X?" message.

Just skip the pointless pre-question and ask your real question directly - someone scrolling by might know the answer even if they don't consider themselves an "expert," and people can decide if they want to help based on your actual problem instead of having to volunteer blindly.