The term is used for candidate generated interviews with whoever they can get them with (usually through their network). It's often used to generate a position or to be top-of-mind by a set of companies when they open a position. It's a short leap from there to what you are saying.

Setting up informational interviews (to me, someone who has been hiring developers for 20+ years) is a sign of maturity. I think of such a person as "active", but knows enough not to put a resume in a pile. It only assures them of a real interview -- not the job (they jump to the top of the pile)

I personally would never apply blind.