Hate how fanatical preachers around NYC don’t let you get a word in edgewise? Well now you rational, inquisitive individuals can take the soap box. The Augmented Speaker’s Corner is a real life meets virtual experiment in using every medium we’ve got to improve discussion and democracy by, well, talking. In what the creator calls a cross between an open mike and a call-in radio show with a rotating host it’s:

An interface for public discussion in Union Square, NYC, consisting of an open mic, speakers, and a website. The audience gets to vote in real time on who stays on the mic, as well as respond live over the speaker system using their cellphones.

The first ever Augmented Speakers’ Corner will be in Union Square (tomorrow) on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008, from 5-8pm. We’re eager to see what happens. If it’s a politically incited rant session and/or melee, then we and the many police and people of that angsty cross-section of the city won’t be too surprised. But if it sparks some serious decision, then it’s worth it. If you’re shy, get on your virtual soap box by recording your question or call in from the Whole Foods across the street.