[PostPlummer]

Exactly this. You can not "force" these sessions, they happen to happen, or not. It takes (a lot of open mic) time to get these things rolling.

It is a number game: more contact, more bouncing.

For about 5 years I ran a worldwide (FPS) tournament with a couple of friends. We never met AFK. It had to work online, or it would not work at all.

This is one reason I always ask potential employees if they encage in online communities. I find it a tremendous plus if people are able to collaborate with "strangers" and without financial dependencies.

[fsnowdin]

Do you have any nuggets of wisdom on coordinating large projects entirely online? Me and my friend still struggles to make significant progress all too often as life stuff comes in once in a while which leads to months-long pauses.

[PostPlummer]

Clear goals, period.

This could be: We like to work on this and there is no deadline.

Or: Forget the details of this exquisite item, but focus on getting it working on date X.

I would not mind the perceived lack of progress in your case but see the journey as the goal. Spending quality time with a friend is about as good as it gets (until there are bills to pay, then make sure you can pay the bills first).