As good as being there?

Gavin Clabaugh writes about whether virtual can replace in person and I agree, but I do wonder. Recently TechSoup and a bunch of others launched the nonprofit commons within Second Life, but I found it interesting that they hosted a live group in their office as well.

So I have seen a trend of mixing the virtual with the in person. I dont forsee virtual replacing that live in-person conference anytime soon. But what if groups like NTEN helped facilitate mixed adventures. Groups would gather into smaller groups at a central location (driving or public transportation, not flying) in cities all across the country, then they would dial into the national event together. So you would meet the regional people, still have in-person contact, but participate in a national event. YES, there are still limitations, but maybe that would help fill the gap between that long year waiting for the next NTEN NTC. (although there webcasts seem to be working for that too)

It is amazing to me that with all of these advances in technology, that you can still share a lot more information in person, with a couple simple words, a strong handshake, a smile and a wink than with an email, webcast or any other technology....