The author explains their habit of emailing complete strangers to ask thoughtful questions, finding that most people are happy to respond when approached with genuine curiosity and respect. They argue that cold emailing can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities that wouldn't otherwise exist, and encourage readers to overcome the fear of reaching out to people they admire.
The post advises that when requesting something from someone, being explicit about what you want is considerate, while being vague forces the recipient to work to understand you.
The article presents techniques for software developers to write more effective emails, emphasizing that clear communication saves time, reduces misunderstandings, and increases professional recognition within a company.
Simon Willison quotes Julia Evans' advice on writing: instead of trying to write for everyone, picture a specific person—such as "me, but 3 years ago" or a good friend—and write just for them.