Experimenting with "office hours" next week

I hope you all are having a peaceful and bright holiday season. This isn't one of my usual "letters from the lab"—more a time-sensitive invitation.

tl;dr: I'm holding "office hours" next Monday and Wednesday (12/27 and 12/29) from 2-3PM PST. Come by and ask questions, pose problems, or offer work for feedback. https://meet.google.com/bby-nmzu-apx

I've noticed that my mental energy falls into a trough in the early afternoon, usually around 1-3. I'm usually just wasting my time if I try to do difficult work or reading during this period, so I often take the time to stroll, nap, or do low-effort tasks. But I've noticed that it's also a good time to take meetings: social energy seems to draw from a different well.

In that spirit, I thought it'd be fun to try experimenting with "office hours" during this time. I'll "open my office door" from 2-3 PM PST next Monday and Wednesday (12/27 and 12/29). I invite you to come by with questions, problems, and work to share for feedback: https://meet.google.com/bby-nmzu-apx

A few logistical details:

• At least for this experiment, I'm not offering "reservations". Just show up; we'll form a queue.
• In the fashion of academic office hours, eavesdropping is encouraged. You may have to wait a while to ask your question, but listening in on others' questions may turn out to be more valuable than whatever motivated you to attend, anyway. Likewise, feel free to chime in if you have thoughts on a question someone else brings—just be graceful in sharing airtime.
• These conversations aren't 1:1, but we'll have better discussions if we feel safe to speak. The Chatham House Rule is in effect: paraphrasing is okay, but don't identify anyone. And of course, we'll treat each other with generosity and nobility; I'll moderate problems.
• Unless few people show up, I'll probably cut off any one line of discussion at a maximum of about ten minutes. If it feels we've gotten the most out of a topic after just a few minutes, I may switch us up sooner. Take that as a sign of success, rather than a critical judgment!
• Rough work and ill-specified questions are very welcome. Several people have told me that they're waiting to show me design work until it's more polished. Honestly: that's silly!

I recognize that this timing is unfriendly to people in Europe, Asia, and Africa—forgive me! If these events seem fruitful, we'll work something out.

I know people will ask if I'll record these. My answer, initially, is no: I want to make sure we can create the right kind of vulnerable space first, and I'm worried recording will hamper that. If this proves fruitful, recording may be possible once we all get more comfortable.

See you next week, or not: in any case, I wish you clarity and equanimity!