I was definitely considering an email first, I’m much better that way; I reckon I was using “cold call” as a generic concept. Also, maybe it’s not so much of a cold call anyway, since I was talking about contacting people I’d exchanged business cards with. It might be unwelcome, but it shouldn’t be a surprise.

Speaking of poor wording, I meant to direct to the mailing list anyone who can help with the process of finding sponsors, not sponsors directly. I think I’ve been consistent in a message of having people contact me directly, but I’ll have to look and see if that’s really the case. It’s true, it might not be as simple as it could or should be.

I have experience looking for sponsors for barcamps and local LUG conferences. It’s not a pleasant task, but it’s needed, and most of the time the results are worth the effort.

I don’t think that pointing the sponsor to a mailing list it’s a good idea. You have to simplify things, and guiding people step by step.