[momotomo]

Avoiding giving a reply or simply being disorganised when it comes to following up with responses isn't tech specific.

Penpals who take six months to reply, people who screen their calls, giving a polite reply of "yes" when really you're never going to show up - it happens.

With the examples the author gave in a professional context - if you require a reply on something, set the expectation rather than assume someone communicates the same way as you.

If you're cold soliciting people over email for love or profit it should be with the understanding that it doesn't necessary honour the other party to reply.