For me, it is important to personally know my coworker. You cannot do that with chat. I disagree. My employer's development group (only six people) is split b

For me, it is important to personally know my coworker. You cannot do that with chat. I disagree. My employer's development group (only six people) is split between Pittsburgh and Santa Cruz, CA. Most of my work is with one of the programmers in the California office. I have spent probably a total of three weeks with this person (over three years), but I'd argue we have a very good working relationship, and a good friendship.