> It is just part of a human-centric session initiation protocol. It is the session initiation protocol for face-to-face communication. If you straight approac

> It is just part of a human-centric session initiation protocol. It is the session initiation protocol for face-to-face communication. If you straight approach someone off in their own la-la land with a question, chances are they won't even hear it. "Hello" attracts their attention first. Chat does not have that problem. If they are not paying attention at the time, they can read the question later. It does not disappear after it is stated. Different tools for different jobs. > Maybe the matter is time sensitive, maybe they don't want to disclose something immediately without setting context, finding something out first, whatever. Still no reason to not provide some kind of meaningful background, * "My computer won't turn on and I have a presentation in a few minutes. Can you help me with it? If I don't hear from you soon I will try Joe." * "I have a sensitive matter to discuss with you that I cannot divulge until you have read the email from Mary. Please let me know when you've had a chance to do that." * "What do you think about X? After you let me know I'll fill you in on Y."