Online Mastermind Group Template

There is an increasing number of Mastermind Groups starting online. I personally haven't ventured online with my Mastermind Groups because I question how to get the same value and keep the commitment level high as with a face to face group. I'm still, however, curious as to the various ways people are using Mastermind Groups to grow their businesses.

An example I came across recently was to have an open group in the form of a Forum where each participant would post their thoughts and follow the following structure:

1) Once a week, someone starts a thread in the Business forum, entitled (Name) Business Discussion - John's Business Discussion, Neil's Business Discussion, etc.

2) That thread is to focus on ONE aspect, or one problem, or one concern that person has for their business. The only discussion in that thread - in John's Business Discussion thread, for example - will be helping John achieve, or overcome, or answer matters concerning John's business.

3) Every week a new thread begins on another member's business and special topic.

4) Each thread may continue as long as it has life, and as long as it remains on topic.

5.a) This will alleviate any leadership problems
5.b) This will allow everyone to post when convenient, thereby overcoming time differences
5.c) The discussion can go on as long as required (weeks, months), and is not limited by time in a chat session
5.d) Goals could be discussed, set, encouraged, followed up and adjusted over time

6) For those who enjoy and feel they can get something out of a chat session could call for a chat meeting as part of their discussion thread, and the thread used to report on, and discuss further the points raised in chat.

I'm curious to see if this gets off the ground and how it works out. It sounds great on paper - the challenge is getting people to commit.