Oh, I sent messages to most of the Coaches on the list but only on of them bothered to reply. Don't they want customers. Perhaps chess.com should have a page for "Training Buddies Wanted"? I might be usefull to be able to track down individuals of approximately the proper strength and the proper ambition?

thanks farbor!

over the next while we should be adding a LOT more coaches :)

the training buddies is a good idea! let me think of how to do that. have any suggestions? 

Erik, I have given the idea some thought but my ideas are still vague. You might very well end up with something rather similar to the adds in the "Pen Pal wanted" column (if you get my drift).

Perhaps some "Reading Groups" organized by a web admin is another idea? I could be simple to get going:

1. Pick, say, three books aimed at different levels

2. Make a Schedule when certain chapters should be discussed

Maybe a game collection is the way to go? There is very little to discuss in a good book for beginners.