timeline
## Initial Outreach Protocol
The purpose of this initial email is not to ask for a meeting. That is a critical distinction. The goal is to professionally and transparently announce your presence and research intent. It is an act of respect that positions you as an independent peer, not a supplicant. You are informing, not asking.
The Artifact: A One-Page "Research Brief"
Do not send a resume or a full proposal deck. You will attach a single, elegant one-page PDF titled "Research Brief: The Architecture of Cognitive Flow." This artifact immediately frames you as a serious researcher.
- Content:
- Project Thesis (1 paragraph): A concise statement on your research into reducing cognitive friction in high-performance, information-dense organizations.
- Methodology (1 paragraph): A brief, high-level overview of your 1-month "Modular Sprint" process, referencing the Double Diamond as a "rigorous protocol for discovery and synthesis."
- Researcher Bio (2-3 lines): Your name, your entity (Ink Aether), and your focus ("Architect of human-AI systems").
## Email Template & Tailoring
Send this email to a general HR, careers, or info@ address. You are creating a professional record of your intent.
Subject: Announcing Independent Research Sprint in NYC: The Architecture of Cognitive Flow
Body:
Dear [Company Name] Team,
My name is Sichen Ying, an independent researcher and founder of Ink Aether, a studio focused on architecting human-AI systems.
I am writing to inform you that for the month of [Month, Year], I will be conducting an independent research sprint in New York City. My focus is on understanding the sources of cognitive friction and the architecture of trust in elite, information-driven organizations.
My work is self-funded, and this email is simply a professional courtesy to announce my research in the area. I am not seeking employment or a sales opportunity. My goal is to deepen my understanding by observing the broader ecosystem in which you operate.
For context, I have attached a brief overview of my research project.
Respectfully,
Sichen Ying
Founder, Ink Aether
[Link to your portfolio or website]
Tailoring the Approach
- For Palantir (New York):
- Tone: Slightly more formal and academic. The phrase "epistemology of high-stakes decision-making" could be integrated into your one-page brief.
- Target: A general careers or info address is appropriate. They are a highly structured organization.
- For x.ai (New York):
- Tone: More direct, concise, and focused on first principles. The brief could reference "the physics of human collaboration in AI development."
- Target: Given their startup nature, a general info@ or even a press@ email might be seen by more people. The goal is the same: to create a respectful, professional record of your presence.