Good TIP Cynthia
On AfriGeneas we have an icon "Tell a Friend" which serves a similar purpose to the envelope. It is so important to in your words

"help keep the communication going"

On ancestry.com they have this envelope icon. I have found family postings, and they are positive hits. I send or try to send a message to the contact email address through ancestry. It won't accept it and in most situations, people have not checked this for 6 months to a year. Check these icons. A brick wall may be trying to tumble down...or not. But at least check and see.
Help keep the communication going. When you receive replys from anyone, if nothing else say THANK YOU.