Even before conferencing came to the Web, people were communicating via links to each other's Web pages, and commentaries they posted on their own Web pages. Before long, improved browser technology made it possible for people to read newsgroups on the Web. Motet conferencing takes Web communication one step further. Unlike online chat, participants need not all be logged on at once. Instead, conversations typically take place over days, weeks, or even months.
Conversations are permanent.
Members of the community can refer back to postings they read or wrote months ago. This permanence adds depth to conversations, giving participants a sense that they are taking part in the building of a lasting resource. Motet is linear. Unlike mailing lists or Usenet, Motet stores the discussion in a central place, ensuring that postings are consecutive and that no one adds a new posting without having had the opportunity to read all of what has been said so far. The result is a discussion that has the feel of a real-life conversation.