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by adityaathalye 5 days ago
Hey, I do this too, and I absolutely love receiving thoughtful e-letters, the few times a year they happen!

Here are my reasons, copied from my site's "Standing Invitation" [0].

> Email me just because (not just for work). Whatever feeds your curiosity; silly, fun, nerdy, serious.

> Why?

> 1. Do unto me what I have done unto others. I habitually cold-email anyone who moves me in some way (joy, insight, utility, mind shift…). I also love to receive such email!

> 2. There is too little unsolicited positive feedback in much of most of our lives. At some point in the fuzzy past, I decided enough was enough. At least someone somewhere ought to feel good sometime for no reason whatsoever. Since that realisation, I have cold-emailed people willy-nilly. See also: Saying Thank You [1], and Days Are Easily Made [2].

> 3. It's always been a delight; no regrets. You should try it too!

> So, let serendipity reign; write away!

[0] https://www.evalapply.org/about.html#standing-invitation

[1] https://blog.jim-nielsen.com/2022/saying-thank-you/

[2] https://www.autodidacts.io/how-to-make-someones-day/