I've contacted people outside my own uni a few times now asking for project-related help - you know, I saw this article on your work, I found it interesting because I'm also involved in X, I think you can help me with... Most of the time it works out okay, I get a bit of interest (which is all I can expect from someone not directly involved in the project) and sometimes something useful comes out of it. The problem is I did this again (contacted an outside academic directly asking for help with something) about a week ago thinking 'I have nothing to lose', but I have had no reply and am sinking into despair - I have actually lost a little bit more of my hope :(
I'm reluctant to post this because Stu's comments are ringing in my ears - talking to unreal (?) people on the forum because I don't have any real friend to talk to about this. Well, right now there is actually no-one I can talk to about this and it's really bothering me.

I've just found details of another academic who I think could really help me out, but I'm afraid another e-mail with no reply will leave me totally dejected. How do people get successful collaborations going? I guess the other person involved has to think that there's something in it for them. Maybe I should take this angle? Ideally I would like this academic to lend me a piece of equipment...how can I get a positive reply? Should I even be doing this? (asking for outside help) I don't have any alternative, but don't want to come across as desperate, whiny, ingratiating. I am usually so strongly of the opinion that anything is worth a shot, but I'm really doubting myself at the minute!!! I've had my e-mail account open twice with the academic's address in there...someone please just tell me what to do!

In the past, I have read papers and thought the data in it could be helpful to my thesis and have successfully obtained the data from them without actually giving much back. However at the same time some researchers just don't like sharing data without getting something back. Don't despair, it happens. It is not personal. Besides it is the holidays and people might just not be reading their mails?

Quite practically, W2DN is correct. It's the Easter hol's so I would imagine most universities from a staff viewpoint resemble the Marie Celeste at present.

As it's only been a week since you contacted them, give them a bit longer before you worry. As others have said, they might have been/be at a conference or on leave. If you don't hear from them, could you contact anyone else from the same group? Or perhaps your supervisor could write/telephone on your behalf - some people like the first contact to be made by the supervisor rather than the student.

Good luck, hope it works out for you :o)

people usually like to help - but its easter and things are probably difficult. I think the best way to generate outside interest is to say stuff like they are really good etc and say that u are more than willing to give them ur results or soemthing.

Say that it could lead to joint publications. Give it more time yet its eater after all

phone them, especially if you want to borrow equipment.

Thanks for all the replies - I already know what most of you are telling me, but I guess I just needed to hear it again. I had forgotten it was Easter though (!) Jen, you think it would be best to phone them? I've never done that before...I haven't had any contact with these academics before, so I thought e-mail was fine for first contact? Also, I do worry about giving too much info away - I'm very aware that since 'they' have what I need to carry out my idea, by contacting them I'm putting myself at a bit of a risk, but I just hope they have too many other priorities I'm going to e-mail that other academic, and be subtle, flattering, polite, confident and hopefully convincing!!

Hi Sue

For my PhD, I worked on a project which required collaboration with several international research groups. The first point of contact was always made by my supervisor - they are far more likely to reply to someone that they have heard of i.e. already has an established reputation in that field. I think this may be a good option for you if your supervisor is willing. You could write the letter (and sign it from both you and your supervisor) and ask your supervisor to e-mail it out for you (or post it out on Uni headed paper). This approach worked well for me. Good luck.

woo hoo! Academic number 1 has replied and said everything I wanted to hear!