No, I see it as friendly, but I receive them from my friends. I think if you have a doubt in the relationship already you are more likely to interpret any short reply as rude than if you are confident in what your relationship means to them.

Okay but… this is cool. Doesn’t count

Agreed!

Your argument was about talking to friends to gain insight into things you know less about, not finding the six degrees of separation that connect you.

I agree with the original premise of talking to friends with a variety of backgrounds to compliment your world view, but I also holdfast that it is privileged to assume that most people will have connections with friends or even friends-of-friends that can get them trustworthy and informed information.

You scared the crap outta me when I just read the title and thought you wanted “Pay 2 Play” journalism.

I like your idea, but it relies on being connected to people who have education/expertise/authority on subject matter. Great if you have them, but can’t be a reasonable expectation for most people to have good access.

Breville makes one that uses a non-proprietary canister that can be refilled for a few dollars. We love ours.