Politeness of answering

Hi folks,
being a very active consul in my city, I often face a situation: people not answering polite messages concerning events, work opportunities (for them!), answers to questions THEY posted on forums.
In Italy we say "Domandare è lecito, rispondere è cortesia" (asking is allowed, answering is polite).
When people don't want to spend much time, they answer "No", "OK", "Thanks"... but they answer.

I have this problem with Americans, Russians, Brits...

Do we have different views on this aspect?
How is it in your country?

gio