Yes, Steff is correct - with a sticky the thread will stay at the top of the first screen of messages. If it wasn't stuck, then it would gradually move down the page if it wasn't responded to.
Only moderators can stick threads, and they need to be few and far between really, otherwise the forum might start getting 'clogged up' with stickies! A better option if to subscribe to threads, as you have done Mand.🙂