Would you email back and forth with someone you don't know?

Of course. I've very trusting of people. And this is how I got to know you, in part! But I've also emailed a number of other people over the years, and very rarely been refused a response.

As a matter of fact, I have a couple of people that I e-mail and IM with. One lives in Canada and the other lives in Finland, while I live in the U. S. A. I think that it is very interesting and enjoyable. I like discovering how people in different parts of the world live.

Not sure that I would do it but lots of people would. In some ways it is no different to having a penpal in the old days, pre computers and internet. When we are in forums we exchange opinions and things like that. Some people we always respond to the discussions of their friends, because there is a rapport between them. Is what you are doing with your email buddy any different I wonder? Probably not except that you are engaging in a one on one communication. Of course you will have to take the usual precautions when talking to someone you have never met. Taking care of your personal life applies in all aspects of life though. As long as you both understand what the relationship is all about, there should be no problems. Enjoy the friendship that is offered by this person, extend your friendship to them. It is a good thing to meet and learn about other people, regardless of how that happens. My partner exchanges emails every so often with people that she has met in forums. They say they are internet pals, which I suppose is the same as the penpals from when we were children. Good luck to you, enjoy the friendship with your new email buddy.

yes i will email back and ask if how did they get my email addres, and if i know its good person i will reply again.

yes, i would also do like this, i don't mind chatting/ email messaging a stranger, i think it is fun talking to others and this way you get to to know about their opinions.