[nicbou]

In the last 12 months, I have met half a dozen people because of my public work. They just reached out by email and we had drinks. I still see most of them.

On the other hand, I don’t like the information asymmetry, especially with regards to hostile, anonymous people. If you’re on the business end of the internet hate machine, you don’t want to give them any ammo.

In meatspace, the possibility of getting punched in the face keeps everyone in check. The internet has no such moderation mechanism. It makes it hard to be open and genuine, because people can come at you with disproportionate hostility and face no consequences. Criticism is often harsh and pointlessly mean.