Some years ago, I participated in a chapter-in-formation meeting. We were all thirtysomethings with a previous connection to the association and a desire to be more involved.

However, most of those present did not like hierarchy and did not want any officers, any agendas, or any structure. It was felt that everyone should be equal and decisions should be the result of unscripted, open discussion.

A chapter was formed - with no officers. I chaired meetings but had no title. It was fun, but it didn't last.

In another association, I sat on a "Steering Committee" that was charged with carrying out membership decisions. It had no policy-making authority and there was no Board of Directors. All decisions were made by the members.

We believed in a more democratic style than was the custom and we shunned the trappings of more formal organizations.

Today, when I see references to unconferences, unmeetings, and unsessions, it reminds me of how we, too, once defined ourselves by what we were not - feeling it was important to draw distinctions between our style and that of our predecessors.

I think someone, now, needs to coin a moniker for these conversations and interactions so they'll sound like new modes of communication, not merely rejections of the old.