Why was my question of January 6, 2003, closed?  Did it just expire
without any further research?  I have heard nothing since the request
for clarification on January 6, 2003.

Dear pamie,

I assume that you refer to this question:

"disappearances in Santa Fe, New Mexico"
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=137891

Your question has indeed expired; questions are open for answering for
one month. After that time, Researchers can't post an answer. However,
the question remains open for comments, for which you will not be
billed, of course.

The fact that your question remained unanswered does not mean that
there has been no further research. It only indicates that no
Researcher has found an answer, respectively an answer adequate to the
high standards of Google Answers. Questions are carefully researched
behind the scenes, even when there are no signs of action visible. In
this case, alas, the Researchers have despite their efforts not been
able to locate material for a satisfying answer.

Best regards,
Scriptor