thanks for all the replies!
yeah I dont do the copy n paste boring crap when contacting people. I contact them how I would like to be contacted basically..
demanding x amount in return when they hit YOU up is pretty stupid haha and yep, have had a guy do that to me recently
I usually say that i can offer up to xxx amount and go from there..
there are a few good people out there who like to help and met a few today!
my site is hovering around 13k and its hard to get over that hump and get to the next level