Why do I randomly get the 999 error message?

Question

I'm wondering if they decide they don't want certain questions addressed, so block them with 999?
I read in the past that this was used to block too much activity.  But I can simply open another instance of IE and go to this site, and answer OTHER questions.  Then I bring up a specific question, and it doesnt let me answer it.  

the latest question it is doing this to me is:
Why does the media lie about US foreign policy in South America?

Can you try and answer that question?  See if it lets you.  Thanks. 

The start of the message is:
Sorry, Unable to process request at this time -- error 999. 
  Unfortunately we are unable to process your request at this time. This error is usually temporary. Please try again later.

Closed · Accepted Answer

Error999 is often posted as a generic error message when a link or email is in the question or answer. The 'too much activity' means that too many people are posting links to that same site, too quickly. For example, this often happens with photobucket, YouTube, Wikipedia or even Yahoo Answers Help links, due to excessive postings. It is an antispam block that usually times out, quickly or not so quickly. The ways around this are not post the link, use one of the sites online that 'shorten' long links and post the shortened link, or simply wait for the block to clear.

Chetak. · Answer

Error Messages 
999
This is when there is a problem add http://www     addresses.
Gremlins cause it from time to time.
Post the www.     Address and ask that they add the http://  to the address provided, and don’t post in the source box.
This should work.

The American media is one of the most open in the world.
That answers that part of your question I feel.

Why do I randomly get the 999 error message?

2 Answers