Hi, JimSB,
I guess I'm the only one qualified to answer this...
Yes, I like them, they're fun to see. You certainly don't have to do it. You're name gets added to this list for a while:
http://ibol17.wordpress.com/xeno-archaeologists/
It's just another fun way to meet the players...
It sounds like you're trying to "direct message", which isn't really the point. if you just put my user name in a message, i'll be notified.
something like this:
Hey, @IBOL17, I found one of your artifacts!
(and then you attach the picture).
I wouldn't mind being inundated
Bob