They can read a posting and link a reply directly to the wording that stimulated the response. On-line, participants can add replies to a topic that came up several days, months, or years ago. For the facilitator, these characteristics eliminate the challenge of working around the busy and often conflicting schedules of stakeholders. On-line discussions can take place when it best firs each individual's schedule. Internet tools also provide a comfortable communication venue for those who prefer writing to speaking.
Some people find speaking in a meeting to be a horrible experience.
The on-line environment can thus be quite liberating to some people's ideas and feelings. Another self-evident benefit of Internet communication is that it enables people to engage in a meaningful dialogue and even build consensus without traveling to a meeting. Indeed, forums and e-mail are especially invaluable in dialogue groups that cross time zones. The downsides These tools come with disadvantages too, of course. One common complaint is the on-line medium's lack of nonverbal cues and its emotional flatness.