In ancient Athens, citizens of the "demes" or tribes gathered every ten days on a hill near the Acropolis called the Pnyx to debate, deliberate and decide the rules and policies that would govern their common lives. On the Pnyx was born the culture of civilized talk and the democratic politics of self-government. In modern times, parliamentary and civic leaders as well business people and ordinary citizens have sought modes of communication that allow them - together - to discuss, solve problems and arbitrate differences. Effective communication remains the key means today for:

• business negotiation
• political debate
• civic dialogue
• classroom learning
• social interaction

Though the Internet is a powerful facilitator of connectivity, it is an interactive technology without effective applications for those seeking multipoint real-time communication. There is ample software on the Web to enhance personal and individualized communication, but far less to serve the needs of groups, communities and organizations. The challenge is to build a "virtual Pnyx" - an on-line forum - to deepen and strengthen communications and interactivity for every arena, from the competitive to the cooperative, from politics to play.

To answer the challenge, Bodies Electric LLC, a cutting edge interactive software company - guided by the visionary leadership of Benjamin Barber, who serves as its Chairman - has developed the Unchat™ software, a product unlike any other on the market today. Unchat software applies to web-based communications the ideas of democratic debate and deliberation that have enriched and deepened traditional off-line conversation from ancient Greek democracy to modern business and learning transactions. Unchat solves the problem encountered in any meeting where not all of the participants are physically present - the loss of etiquettes and cues that make face-to-face interactions so productive. By enforcing rules of moderation yet allowing participants to take turns moderating themselves, by creating a controlled structure yet allowing participants to interrupt and talk privately with each other, Unchat marries the speed and reach of the Internet with the effectiveness of real-life meetings.

Put to use in civic and political debates, learning and educational development, community building and non-profit communications, corporate meetings and knowledge management, Unchat will enhance discussion, nurture deliberation and facilitate the arbitration of differences and the quest for common ground.

Please visit the Bodies Electric website to learn more about our company and Unchat, or call directly for more information 212.918.5035