> If even all of HN readers did this regularly some researchers on popular subjects would get annoyed at all the requests. True. That is the reason why I haven

> If even all of HN readers did this regularly some researchers on popular subjects would get annoyed at all the requests. True. That is the reason why I haven't shared the email I found for example. I think that is why being polite, and civil is such a key thing in this. Also understanding that the researcher who you reached out to might not have the bandwidth to answer you. (They have term papers to grade, and classes to prepare for, and articles to write/review and who knows what else.) One can send an even more polite follow up email a few weeks later. And maybe a third one a year later kind of a "here is where I got with the project" kind. But keeping it polite, civilised, and low volume is the right way to go about it. And definitely not demanding anything or having an expectation of them even answering. It is kind of a special case of the golden rule. Write the letter you yourself would be happy receiving.