I bet the majority of requests go unanswered because the recipient simply doesn't understand what they need to do to participate.
Beating around the bush is self-sabotage. Be specific, demanding, but polite. If you know how the person can help you, give concrete steps. If you don't, be very clear about what you need help with.
Also one more: Write skimmable content. This is done by breaking things up into structured paragraphs or lists, ideally gracefully degrading thanks to a general summary in the beginning and call to action in the end.
Or better yet ask them in person or over the phone. I was able to meet Dave Thomas (of Pragmatic Programmers) earlier this year and I just asked if he would be interested in sponsoring my weekly Hacker Newsletter. We talked for a minute and I gave him what I was thinking and he said they could definitely do that. I was pretty nervous asking, but it couldn't of been easier.
Beating around the bush is self-sabotage. Be specific, demanding, but polite. If you know how the person can help you, give concrete steps. If you don't, be very clear about what you need help with.
Also one more: Write skimmable content. This is done by breaking things up into structured paragraphs or lists, ideally gracefully degrading thanks to a general summary in the beginning and call to action in the end.