I was put in touch with a prominent professor at a top-tier university department because he knew and has academic interest in the person whose work I want to do my thesis about. After getting my e-mail expressing interest, he said that it sounded interesting and suggested I come up to the university to visit and talk with him (and another professor who similarly knew him and was interested in his work.) I wrote back, cautiously saying that scheduling and financial considerations made it difficult to come, at the very least during the semester, but I reaffirmed my strong interest and suggest speaking by phone or Skype. I received a very curt e-mail in reply, reasserting that I should come speak to them in person, and suggested during winter break near the end of the year.
Curtness notwithstanding, I take it can't be a bad sign that I've been asked personally to come up and meet with these professors, but *how* good a sign is it? It really will be difficult to get up to this university to visit, and I don't want to go into it with a distorted view of things.
Thanks!