Actually, in my personal opinion...contacting someone by PM, and outright asking for fabrics, etc. unless you are doing a group project that person is participating in...I think that is pushy, if not rude.
Your putting someone on the spot.
I don't mind seeing a thread that says, "I love to quilt, but low on stash, and could sure use your scraps etc."
I don't mind that at all.
Then if you have extra's you can pm that person for their info...but I don't want to be personally picked out and pm'd with a request. That is like panhandling, and I wouldn't do it.
I just treat ppl basically like I want to be treated.
(Those that I owe squishies too and have been slow for whatever my reasons are...please forgive me. ;) )
I have a couple ppl I told I was sending them something and haven't finished their stuff, and it has been a while. That makes me die of embarrassment, but I pray that knowing I have many chronic health disorders will help them understand I don't do these things on purpose and will eventually get 'er done! :-D