Ask HN: Do you cold-contact peers when considering working at a company?

I'm thinking about my next software development job. I think I might find a developer in a similar job in a company, cold-email them, and ask a few questions about what it's really like to work there. (I'll include a link to my personal site so that they understand I'm worth responding to.)

I'll be more comfortable talking to them rather applying for a job directly which makes me seem needy.

They'll probably be more honest and open than a hiring manager. And if it goes well, they may pass on my resume.

I'm surprised that I haven't heard this done more often. Have you tried this? Does it work for you? Or does it seem rude?