Don't ask to ask, just ask (2019)
This feels like one of those internet rules that stems from a neurodiverse IRC-type crowdNeurotypical people use this sort of social foreplay as a way to handshake a conversation[1], where the tech types want an input/output process devoid of mood and feelingIt is silly and quite time wasting online too, but it's what they need to feel comfortable asking you questions. I figure if they need to adapt to some of my quirks I'll do likewise for theirs[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_talk#Purpose