Your concern about human connection is totally legitimate. I think most of the successful Fully Distributed teams out there supplement the independent work environment with periodic in-person get-togethers. For example, Github has their Github Summit (pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmario/sets/721576257683729...), Basho described their "quarterly meetups". Automattic also does retreats.
I think your comment is a recognition that the most important aspect of face-to-face time isn't actual productivity / collaboration but simply social connection and team camaraderie. This is probably the biggest challenge that Fully Distributed teams face, but it isn't insurmountable with some creativity and planning.
Comments
Your concern about human connection is totally legitimate. I think most of the successful Fully Distributed teams out there supplement the independent work environment with periodic in-person get-togethers. For example, Github has their Github Summit (pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianmario/sets/721576257683729...), Basho described their "quarterly meetups". Automattic also does retreats.
I think your comment is a recognition that the most important aspect of face-to-face time isn't actual productivity / collaboration but simply social connection and team camaraderie. This is probably the biggest challenge that Fully Distributed teams face, but it isn't insurmountable with some creativity and planning.