There are already so many ways to communicate between individuals on the internet. Email, IRC, IM, etc.

I don't think we need yet another mechanism for this. I would prefer to allow users to publish their contact details on a profile page.

On the one hand, this would frequently be of some use.

On the other hand, I already have too many places I need to check daily for messages -- adding one more just makes my life harder.

We either need this, or at least expanded profiles with contact info, as suggested here: https://www.loomio.org/d/7nJLR2gB/idea-allow-users-to-include-their-contact-info-in-their-profiles

I think the temptation to take discussion away from the group discussion to easy to fall into. I find myself wanting to do this, but realise that there is generally a way of couching the on going discussion so it can be seen by everyone.

This isn't what Loomio is for, and trying to do so is putting lipstick on a hammer, IMHO

I'm concerned that private discussions can subvert group discussions if private messaging is directly facilitated within a given environment. Time and again, I've seen coercive influences (often subtle) applied in dark places.

Agree but don't think contact information should be displayed by default. A request for info should be sent from the profile screen. The member could then "approve" that request.

When Loomio becomes 'discussion-first' rather than 'group-first' this will be pretty easy, I think

my main concern would be complexity detracting from Loomio's core functionality - though maybe there's a simple solution for sending an email to an individual user