Don't ask to ask, just ask!

Please don't send random emails and IRC messages saying "Are you there? I have a thing to ask you about...". Just ask the question. If I'm online I might answer right away, if I'm not I'll answer you when I have time. An "Are you there?" or "Can I ask a question?" question is just a waste of time and effort.

See also: An entire website dedicated to "Don't ask to ask, just ask''