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A pointer to some of the more memorable discussions of Table Talk's first year. Follow the links to the conversations. (If you aren't already registered in Table Talk, you'll need to; it's free.)
Haven's House
(Private Life)
An ever-evolving, role playing conversation in which the regulars of Table Talk hang out, chat, and get to know each other.
Was Thomas Jefferson the Founding Father of Our Race Problem?
(Issues and Politics)
It started out as a political and historical discussion, but over time it also became something more, as Table Talk members argued, agreed, and revealed more of themselves than just their own answers to the question.
Gay Marriage - Yes or No?
(Issues and Politics)
Impassioned and articulate posters from both sides of the issue came into this discussion in March, and they're still going eight months later.
Classics I Hate, Geniuses I Loathe
(Books)
Table Talkers took the gloves off and vented their spleen against such hallowed authors as Dickens, James, Austen, and Melville — and heard the
arguments of their defenders.
A thought experiment: how do you get a sense of the Salon?
(Digital Culture)
Jay Rosen's challenge prompted Table Talkers to come up with their own metaphors for the place, with a surprising diversity of impressions.
Alan Sokal's hoax: Did Social Text deserve what it got?
(Books)
A lively and cerebral debate went out into the real world, with members bringing their research (and info straight from the horse's mouth) into one of Table Talk's most vigorous ongoing discussions.
What's the difference between 'Dirty' and 'Intellectual' on Salon?
(Salon Central)
The never-ending discussion over striking the balance between free speech and respect for others in Table Talk started here.
What Kind of Talk at our Table?
(Salon Central)
We asked, you told us.
Slob City
(Private Life)
Who'd have guessed people would feel so strongly about comfort vs. grooming?
Reefer Madness: the debate continues
(Mind and Spirit)
For the first time, a debate begun in the pages of Salon continued in Table Talk, with the entire community invited to jump in and join the fray.
The World According to Cyrus Noe
(Digital Culture)
The first "World" was removed for violations of the community standards, so the participants started it up again — and turned it into one of the brightest, most revealing discussions in Table Talk.
Shock the World: A Challenge to Table Talkers to Start Building A Community
(Salon Central)
Meta goes active — and the Table Talkers begin defining their roles within the community.
Signal to Noise Ratio: Elitism or Just Good Sense?
(Digital Culture)
One person's banter is another person's babble, and Dick's intelligent discussion may put Jane to sleep. What do you do?
Calling all writing readers
(Books)
One of Table Talk's first truly community-minded topics — it quickly became a place for like-minded people in similar fields to not just debate or express opinions but to offer advice and support for each other.
Magazines on the Web: A good idea?
(Digital Culture)
One of Salon and Table Talk's early attempts at self-definition — notable now for how far we and the Web have come in such a short time.
Conflicts Suspended/The Resolution Room/DMZ...
(Private Life)
A Table Talk community-created place for members to work out their differences in a civil forum.
Adolescence: an end and beginning — do you remember?
(Mind and Spirit)
One of the most difficult times of life, examined by TTers — among them, a few current adolescents.
Gender and race can be hidden here — what happens?
(Issues and Politics Attic)
One of Table Talk's most volatile discussions on the nature of online identity.
Posting by Real Name vs. Posting by Pseudonym
(Salon Central)
Similar discussion, different venue, and a subsequently very different tone.
Posts on posting:
A collage of thoughts on the nature of online discussion, culled from Table Talk itself
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