Great distinction. I wish I remember the ancient philosopher who was taking a walk and God met him and said he would answer any philosophical question he had. The philosopher, not wanting to be late for his appointment, left before God could finish answering his first question.

You can't make anyone have a conversation, democratic or otherwise. They only choose to participate. I think it was Ninotchka where a woman goes to a man with a servant, "You're working him to hard. He might die." And the wealthy man answers dryly, "Don't try to get my hopes up." The laugh is that well know there are limits to what anyone will converse or participate in. That often it is those who work for us who have all the fun (like the butler toying with his boss with between-the-lines sarcasm).

I ramble... ;)