Kernel developers are on email all day. They have developed a set of procedures that facilitate this with ease. Here are some things you may find useful.
- Miscellaneous newbie questions go to kernelnewbies mailing list. Specific intelligent questions relating to a kernel subsystem go to the subsystem mailing list. If you are new you almost certainly do not want to post to LKML.
- All kernel development is done in the open, this means via mailing lists. Always maintain the complete CC list when responding to mailing list mail. Never email a kernel developer [about kernel development] 'in private' i.e without CC'ing a mailing list.
- You will make mistakes, doing so is very hard on the ego, you are going to have to deal with it.
- Never top post, see https://daringfireball.net/2007/07/on_top
- Be polite. Please, thank you etc. No one has to respond to you, if they do so acknowledge their response.
- Wait at least two weeks before following up on a previous email/patch.
- State your position clearly in as well a thought out, and researched manner as possible.
- Always use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation to the best of your ability. If English is your first language then make the effort to write it correctly.
- Do not argue with reviewers. This cannot be overstated. Sure, reviewers make mistakes but if you are new to kernel development then you are almost certainly wrong.
- Try to learn the first time someone tells you something. If you really cannot understand, by all means ask for clarification. If you still don't get it, go away and read up, people are usually happy to point you towards further reading on the topic. No one likes saying the same thing three times.