I'm in the process of setting up a writer's forum.  My intention is to make it available for small groups of writers in whatever genre to create and share techniques with each other.  Still in formative stage, but if I get off the pot, it may be up by August 1st.  If anyone is interested I'll provide the info when ready.

I had my own Workshop in my kitchen for ten years and the personal, face-to-face contact is difficult to give up.  But I've discovered that people are not as willing to take personal time away from their routines as much today.  So I participated in several writer's classes on-line, and found the feedback to be very helpful, both from the instructors and the students.  I agree that the anonymity seems to empower people to speak their thoughts much more openly, so you have to have tough skin in some cases. 

S