Feedback on — and Structure for — the Inevitable, Implacable Phone Call

Join us on our next voyage to the Village of the Darned by selecting a headline, preferably something you can link, and be prepared* to lead the conversation on your chosen topic.

With this crowd, any topic is on-topic at least once, so you don’t have to cater to anybody’s wishes.

Also, how many folks would be able to either A) follow along in chat as we pass the “talking stick” around, r B) follow along on something like Google Docs for a cheap (free) online collaborative thingy.  If you’re just phoning in from a landline with no PC, or a cellphone while driving, of course, that doesn’t quite support it.

One of the great things about the phone call is that it’s a free-for-all among friends  That’s also one of the drawbacks.

Is the time working out for everybody?  Should the phone call move earlier to better support those who find themselves unable to join?  Obviously, we will not get this feedback during the phone call, so asking there is kind of pointless.

Other feedback?  Let me know.  One things I know is that the phone call can get better by becoming a little more PC-centric.  Ideally, the majority of folks would be mostly passive monitors of something like that chat window, while fully participating in the conversation.  A minority would be deep in the chat, and another minority would probably be here on audio only, say landline with no PC.  etc.

Ennyhoo, these are the things on the table so far.  Suggestions welcome.  Meanwhile, one proposal that has met with rave reviews is the “show and tell” bit mentioned in the first paragraph here.  Everybody bring a topic, and you’ll have a reserved segment to lead a conversation (monologue, dialogue, food fight, whatever).  I think this will help resolve some of the formlessness, which is about as liberating a jogging without a jock strap.