Pick the channel
Different channels, different norms:
Email: best for detail + forwarding. Great for referrals and “forwardable blurbs.”LinkedIn: short notes; good for connection + quick context. Expect slower replies.X/Slack/Discord: great for fast, casual pings after a public interaction.GitHub: perfect when your context is code (issues, PRs).IRL(meetups, conferences): start warm, follow up online within 24–48 hours.
Rule of thumb: match the channel to the context where you “met” them.



