How? There’s no PM feature on HN. This is the only way if the username is unique enough.

Tough luck then I guess? I suppose I don't see the need to have access to every individual on a private basis merely because they comment somewhere on the internet. If they welcomed private interactions, then they would indicate a means of contact in their profile.

I mean, if the person being contacted doesn’t want to be contacted privately, they’re free to ignore the request. No one’s saying they “need” access or that someone else is fully obligated to talk to them privately.

Just reminding you that the commenter asked for others to offer their take on whether or not the request was perceived to be creepy. I didn't go out of my way to offer unsolicited commentary on this.

If you don't want to hear that you are wearing an ugly shirt, don't ask an entire room full of people if your shirt is ugly.

Ok, but you haven’t explained _why_ this would be inappropriate. If there’s no other way to contact sb, I’ll reach out with a comment where I can. I did this on twitter once. Worst that can happen is that I get no answer, but I don’t see any creepiness.

I suppose most people on HN don’t include a public address in their profile because it’s not required (not even your email is required), not because they don’t want any direct interaction.

If I were a human being reading your comment I would infer that you were highly judgmental and thought other people were mostly like you, looking for an excuse to be hostile and dismissive. Thankfully I know that most people are at worst indifferent and there’s a large very friendly, helpful minority and even more who will do small favours out of kindness. The more we make it clear that most people are not like you the more we make the world a better place.

The Internet is full of individuals with weird intentions. I don't at all see how being conservative in the kind of interactions one allows for is a bad idea.