Not entirely related to your post, but some of us have been trial-running the idea of “virtual meetups” HERE. At the least you could join the google group and stay tuned for upcoming planned events? Two have successfully happened, and that might be a way to get some “people time”?
At the very least, you have some people who are into “virtual communication” and it might blossom into members of that group just initiating one-on-one discussions on topics that they find interesting to another? For example, I had a one-on-one talk with SilasBarta that I found similarly enjoyable compared to in-person dialog, even though it was through a computer. I think real-time audio (and video if possible) produces a much, much more personable experience compared to typing messages, regardless of it’s commenting here or even real-time chat. Hearing one another’s voices and seeing facial expressions really helps.
I have found meetup.com insanely helpful, but I also live in a populous area. I’m a member of the Minnesota Atheists, Minnesota Skeptics (like a critical thinking group), and a group called “Former Fundamentalists” for those who have left various religion and are dealing with the social difficulties. It has been amazing to find real, live people to talk to.
Lastly, you might try craigslist personals. I’ve seen people request all kinds of things there—dates, just hang out times, etc. People get pretty specific, so you might be able to just post there and ask to find someone interested in rationality, critical thinking, etc. Post in the “strictly platonic” section so it’s known that you’re not looking for romantic entanglement.
Good luck with your search; I’m in a similar situation, so these are some things that have helped me or at least that I’ve thought about using/am aware of.
With regards to virtual meetups, I have recently found that video chatting is remarkably close real life chatting. I haven’t participated in a virtual meetup, but I have video chatted a fair amount. I didn’t think it would be a very good substitute, but after doing it a couple of times, I realized it actually works fairly well for socializing.
I haven’t used Skype video chat. I’ve used gmail video chat and http://tinychat.com/ for group video chat. TinyChat worked decently for a group of 6 people, though it can be a little tricky for everyone to get their camera and mic working.
Not entirely related to your post, but some of us have been trial-running the idea of “virtual meetups” HERE. At the least you could join the google group and stay tuned for upcoming planned events? Two have successfully happened, and that might be a way to get some “people time”?
At the very least, you have some people who are into “virtual communication” and it might blossom into members of that group just initiating one-on-one discussions on topics that they find interesting to another? For example, I had a one-on-one talk with SilasBarta that I found similarly enjoyable compared to in-person dialog, even though it was through a computer. I think real-time audio (and video if possible) produces a much, much more personable experience compared to typing messages, regardless of it’s commenting here or even real-time chat. Hearing one another’s voices and seeing facial expressions really helps.
I have found meetup.com insanely helpful, but I also live in a populous area. I’m a member of the Minnesota Atheists, Minnesota Skeptics (like a critical thinking group), and a group called “Former Fundamentalists” for those who have left various religion and are dealing with the social difficulties. It has been amazing to find real, live people to talk to.
Lastly, you might try craigslist personals. I’ve seen people request all kinds of things there—dates, just hang out times, etc. People get pretty specific, so you might be able to just post there and ask to find someone interested in rationality, critical thinking, etc. Post in the “strictly platonic” section so it’s known that you’re not looking for romantic entanglement.
Good luck with your search; I’m in a similar situation, so these are some things that have helped me or at least that I’ve thought about using/am aware of.
With regards to virtual meetups, I have recently found that video chatting is remarkably close real life chatting. I haven’t participated in a virtual meetup, but I have video chatted a fair amount. I didn’t think it would be a very good substitute, but after doing it a couple of times, I realized it actually works fairly well for socializing.
is there any convenient framework for setting up a lesswrong skype group?
I haven’t used Skype video chat. I’ve used gmail video chat and http://tinychat.com/ for group video chat. TinyChat worked decently for a group of 6 people, though it can be a little tricky for everyone to get their camera and mic working.
Glad you think so! I agree. I (probably obviously) advocate for local, in-person discussion if possible… but sometimes it’s just plain hard to find.