[6354dhjgasd]

Ever actually tried? I've contacted well-known people in their field (most recently Hugh Darwen for an obscure database question) and I find them very willing to help if you don't waste their time. Stop with the it's-all-stacked-against-us-don't-even-try bullshit.

[johannes1234321]

It's not about being stacked against one, it's more that one understands the constraints other might have and is more hesitant to reach out, instead of doing a round more of research yourself and using more general forums first.

[kqr]

It's crazy to realise that these people you look up to are actually other human beings and with just a little bit of luck you can strike up a normal conversation with them and they won't hate you for it!

[pooper]

I am scared to ask another team question about my work without checking documentation twice because I'm scared I'll ask something that's already covered in detail somewhere.

I am very good at asking stupid questions. Thankfully, my teammates are patient with me.

Can you imagine wasting the time of one of the brilliant minds of our times and it turns out to be user error?

I would say try to sleep on a problem before reaching out for help if time permits. Probably isn't good for business but it is good for my personal development.

[6354dhjgasd]

Exactly what you say; sleep on it first. Make sure you've done your background work. But then, don't be afraid to contact them.

> I am very good at asking stupid questions. Thankfully, my teammates are patient with me.

Are your questions really so stupid, are theirs really so much smarter when they ask, or are you being harsh on yourself perhaps.