Define the individual or family with a specific event that occurred within a specific time frame at a specific locality. Limit the content of your query. Seeking the marriage record of Thomas Barnes WILL elicit a reply. However, you may find that not one iota of the information contained within those 4,653 reponses is pertinent to your research. Study your audience.
Patience is a virtue.
Most researches are happier than a clam at high tide to share information or assist you in your search. Most researchers are also very busy folks. Don't forget your manners. If someone takes the time to reply to your query, make the time to express your appreciation.