Please don’t say “Hello” with no message.
📬 Best is to include your question plus 1–2 sentences of context (e.g., link, screenshot, error). That way, help comes faster — even asynchronously.
Messages that only say “Hello” or “How are you?” usually won’t receive a reply. Please share your actual question right away so help can be provided efficiently.
🚫 Example – less effective:
12:32 Alex: Hi 12:32 Sam: Hello. — Sam waits for the actual question — 12:34 Alex: I’m working on <topic> and trying to <…> 12:35 Sam: Oh, then <answer>
✅ Example – much better:
12:32 Alex: Hi Sam — I’m working on <topic> and trying to <…>. Question: <specific>. Context: <1–2 sentences / link>. 12:33 Sam: <answer>
Why “just hello” is inefficient
It’s like calling someone, saying “Hi”, then silence — the other person just waits.
Typing is slower than talking: polite preface without content wastes time and breaks focus.
If the question is visible upfront, they can think right away — or reply later, directly.
Please avoid
“Hello — are you there?”
“Hi Bob — quick question.”
“Do you have a sec?”
“yt?” / “ping”
If you want to sound polite
You can combine greeting and question, for example:
“Hi Sam — if now’s a good time, quick question: I’m working on <topic> and trying to <…>. Specifically: <question>.”
Faster help — even if they’re away
If the other person comes online later, they’ll see your full question and can answer without extra round-trips. A lone “Hello” only creates follow-ups.