[philwelch]

But there's already existence proofs of good software being developed by fully distributed teams. OK, I wouldn't want to make hiring decisions without an in-person interview, but I can't imagine how body language helps make technical decisions. In fact, I'm suspicious of people who make these types of arguments, because irrational influences like personal charisma have far more influence in person than rational influences, which are more naturally suited to written (not even spoken!) language.