Jerry,
I, too, have an aversion to tracking discussions in long list-serv threads. I always worry I'll miss something or read the same thing twice.
As co-coordinator for communications for the subcommittee, I'm interested in coming up with new ways to reach people. When you say "chat room" do you have any specific examples you like? We may be able to add something to the website through google sites, though I'm not sure how private it could be. Or we could start a blog. Thoughts? Everyone?
Best,