Sauna
My next project I’m thinking of starting will be a ClassPass meets ClubHouse web and mobile app. I’m thinking of calling it Sauna, but as of now I’m still undecided on the name.
The mission of the app is to improve the quality of conversations.
While I’m not a big talker and am more of an introvert, I deeply appreciate good conversations. Over covid, I started to listen to a lot more podcasts. In doing so I realized how good conversations can further our understanding of each other and the world, and make us feel more connected to one another.
Most of the conversations we have with family, friends, and associates, are not on the same level of (good) podcasts. Why is that? I think there’s a few reasons.
- Misalignment
People have their own set of interests that they look to optimize. But when it comes to conversation, we must be transparent about those interests. As a fan of podcasts, I notice the best ones have a high level of transparency.
So how do we fix misalignment? I think it can be done by setting a purpose for the conversation, and allowing the host to set some ground rules for the discussion which need to be opted in to.
We won’t get over the fundamental fact that people are self-interested, but if we are transparent about it, we can ensure it doesn’t get in the way of good conversation.
2. Not well-intentioned
Often times you may be speaking with someone, and it’s clear they are just trying to prove a point, or win an argument, or reach their goal by any means, and the conversation is therefore painful at worst and unproductive at best.
Therefore a fundamental role of the app will be to promote well-intentioned conversation. For example, the app could require all users to take a quick lesson and quiz on well-intentioned conversation, and how to spot ill-intentioned conversation. Hosts of conversations could require guests to have passed a well-intentioned conversation lesson/quiz.
3. Lack of context
Sometimes the purpose of a conversation is not clear. Or maybe you don’t know someone that well, and therefore you have a tough time finding mutual talking points. A lack of context can ruin a conversation. But the right context can become a starting point for deep and valuable conversation.
As a host, you could set a purpose for a conversation to help provide some context.
You could also add in questions for your guest (or questions that your guest can ask).
Finally, you can provide links to articles that will provide the guest the right amount of context for a conversation, and you could then have the guest confirm to have read through the articles/links.
Conclusion
Conversations are a bit like games. While we can’t directly observe a conversation like we can a physical game, there are definitely ways to have good conversation, just like there are ways to play a game well.
When there is alignment between well-intentioned participants, and the right amount of context, great conversations can happen which can spark new connections and ideas and deepen relationships and understandings.
If there’s a dedicated space for the type of conversations you want to have with your friends, family, associates, etc.., then the possibility of deeper connection and understanding becomes easier. Sauna aims to do that.
The first version of the app will be an entirely free version where you can create conversation spaces. The second version of the app will essentially transform the app into a marketplace for conversations, where hosts can charge guests for their services.
The idea for the marketplace is to have a place where you can go to and have the type of conversation you desire. For example, if you want to think through something with a strategist, or if you want to get a fundamental understanding of a particular field, the marketplace will allow you to find the right person and space for that.
What are your thoughts? Would you use this app? Do you think Sauna is a good name? If not, what is a good name for it?
