I was thrilled with our first Zoom live “Talk To Me” experiment. We ironed out some tech glitches, had a great time talking and learning about one another.

One problem was that I messed up the “admit” buttons, so some people who signed up never got admitted. The upside was that I discovered the perfect number for this experiment – five or six. But I have no idea how many may have tried. Not more than eight or 10, I think. The turnout was small but perfect. A larger group would not have worked as well.

We had an immediate sense of intimacy and comfort. Everybody smiled while I bumbled around, trying to get everything working. I appreciate their patience. We got all of it sorted out. God Bless Andrew. on Z on

Maria joined me this morning on Zoom- she’s agreed to be on more or less regularly in the coming weeks. The questions were great and thoughtful; people could hear each other, and everyone got to ask some questions. I’m grading my Zoom account, so we can go longer than 40 minutes if we wish.

She pretends to be shy and indifferent, but don’t be fooled. She’s a ham, just like me.

I’m grateful for Andrew Koehler (above), a musician and tech genius coming back next week, and hopefully often; I think he has a lot to offer as a meeting member and a tech support system.

We had some sound problems, but we figured those out after the meeting.

Thanks to the good people who were patient as we worked out the bugs. I’m more determined than ever to keep going with this; I hope it was so good for me to talk to human blog readers face to face and so good for them. It was everything I hoped for and more.

There were questions about my photography and relationship with Maria, and one guest surprise was a classmate of mine in high school who popped up in the meeting. I hadn’t heard from him since; he looked great and asked about the Mansion Men’s Group.

It was a real and lively discussion, goodwill, courtesy, give and take, and everyone felt safe.

I’ve decided not to record the meeting, which might dampen people’s openness. It should be a secure and confidential zone. Everyone loosened up and joined it. It was everything I missed; I just hoped the participants got what they wanted.

From what I hear, they did.

I also hope to bring ideas and questions. Next week I’d love to talk about the emotional impact of the Queen’s death with somebody other than myself. That will be timely, what day after the funeral?

Questions are welcome and necessary. I’m learning how to manipulate Zoom well with Andrew’s guidance and am pleased Maria will be a part of this. We work well together.

So could you give it a look next week? The limit will be small – 5 or 6 people. I’ll start admitting people at 9:50.

Jon Katz is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Here’s all you need to know to get on:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/71331834095?pwd=wlcUjiyOaNLSSqW7XhBPa7kkZnsuZg.1

Meeting ID: 713 3183 4095
Passcode: c2dUP3

This is a perfect thing to do in the digital age.

I spout my opinions and answer messages when I get them, but there is nothing like talking to a human being. No misconceptions, no misunderstands, no trolling, no hostility. I get to see people who read my work as humans, and they get to see me the same way, hopefully. Come and take a look if you can next Wednesday at 10 a.m.

I consider this a bold and important experiment. I intend to do everything I can to make it work.