I'm a Fan of Internet "Broadcasting"

Have you noticed that TV shows are starting a trend whereby, post television broadcast, they offer unscripted, causal dialog over the Internet?

I'm becoming addicted.

For me it started with Bill Maher's "Overtime" segment, where, immediately after the show, his guests stay back to answer random email questions posted by viewers .

Today I saw George Stephanopoulos' "Green Room", where the show's producer candidly talks with the three panelists about topics du jour.

Maybe it's that feeling that no one is watching. Maybe it's because it's done "behind the scenes" - without the set, the studio lights and rigid, time limited discussion format. But I'm really enjoying it.

The panellists seem far more relaxed, more accessible. The conversations approximate those you might have with your neighbors over the back fence. Everyone seems so much more civil. I'd love to see this phenomenon take off and perhaps surpass viewership of the highly formatted programming offered by the networks.

For me it really underscores the fact that one can't explore topics like the Iraq War, Global Warming, Immigration reform etc in five minute segments. The Internet format helps us escape from a "sound bite discussion" and move the discussion forward in a more meaningful way.

The "problem" is that the Internet segments are only about 7 minutes long. They should be MUCH longer. I'd "tune in" on my laptop to watch.

And I bet a whole lot of other people would too.