http://www.utne.com/magazine/press/20020625.html

Looks like you need to subscribe to read the article but you could also visit your local library. There are several articles in this issue that explore the topic "conversation". I was thinking of y'all when I was reading them.
BTW, welcome krritter. We're just horsing around a bit with this thread right now. Hope you're having fun and come back soon, ya hear?