The Fredösphere

There's this idea that the people who make it to the top of whichever greasy pole they've chosen (art, business, politics) do so with the help of a ruthless streak.  Or, the top dogs always turn out to be of the junkyard variety.

There's plenty of anecdotal evidence of that.  And yet ... I've had an experience lately that makes me wonder.  I'm making a bit of effort to promote some of my music, and effort that involves sending emails cold to a bunch of people.  Now, I really don't expect much from these people, almost none of whom I've ever met.  On the other hand, I'm not exactly asking much either.  I understand that most will take next to no time looking at my music.  On the other hand, replying with a mere acknowledgment of the email would take a few seconds at most.  So my experience of receiving few replies, even of the "thanks, got your email" variety surprises me.

Anyway, I have noticed a rough correlation between the courtesy of a reply and the status of the recipient.  I.e., cream rises to the top.  Frankly, I'm surprised ... and not surprised.  It's very gratifying to know that, in at least some cases, classy conduct is rewarded. 

What to make of this anecdotal evidence that conflicts with the popular opinion (also based on anecdotal evidence)?  Perhaps the heat that comes with a high-status position is a fire that either refines, or disfigures.

Feel free to use the comments section to draw attention to a prominent musician who has been decent to you or someone you know.