why does it take so long for my postings to show up?

[Michelle Popovits]

I am just curious why it takes so long for postings to show up? I posted message at 12pm est and it finally showed up at 5pm -- that's 5 hours.   This posting I am writing at 5:21pm EST.  I wonder how long it will take.   Is it just me or is this the way that this is supposed to work?   Thanks, Michelle