Virtual Meet Ups

Over in the 'grumpy' thread I suggested a virtual meet up. It seems a popular idea.

It won't be a complicated or formal affair, basically we can introduce ourselves and anyone who wants to can share something interesting such as a tool, part or model they have been working on - or even use their camera to show us their workshop!

Those without cameras or microphones can still watch, but it would be polite to use the 'chat' function to type a hello message and say that you have joined us.

If there's the interest I will schedule a Zoom meeting because it's easy to use with either an app or just in a browser window or on your phone.

It also allows us unlimited participants BUT only for 40 minutes max. That will force us to keep things short and to the point to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.

(I expect some people to voice security concerns, but as long as we don't share files, addresses, bank details or divulge any nuclear missile firing codes I think we should be OK).

If you would like to join in, post a message below along with any comments or suggestions.

As for a suitable time - I think 7pm would suit so those who are working in the day can join. I'm open to suggestions for the day, but perhaps early next week as some of us may still be able to go out on a weekend evening! That would let folks in the US and Canada join around lunchtime, but NZ and Australia would have to get up with the lark. Obviously no problems for southern Africa or Europe - just check your time zones!

As a protection against 'dodgy' people joining and spamming the meeting I won't post the link (when it's set) in open conference and I'll ask you not to either. Instead, I'll send it to anyone expressing an interest via a PM, and feel free to share it with friends by PM or email.

So, are you interested?

Neil

Yes, count me in!

Good idea Neil but could you explain what and how Zoom works for us not so literate computer users please. Do we need to download anything etc? John

Please count me in

Nick

Hi John,

On a computer you get a link which will take you to a web page where you can select to take part in your browser or to download a desktop app (which works slightly better). Phone users can do more or less the same.

I will send the link along with a meeting ID and a passcode that can be entered directly into the apps.

When you 'arrive' you'll probably be in a waiting room until you can enter.

You can choose whether or not to have a microphone or camera enabled. You'll see live video and avatars for the participants and can also open a 'chat' pane where you can type messages if you don't have a microphone.

Neil

Yes I am up for it Neil. Any day or evening is fine by me. Already have Zoom installed on pc

regards

Can I play? 😁

Yes please Neil. Thanks for getting this off the ground.

Yes, I'd like to give it a go, please. Nice idea, thanks!

Count me in. In EDMES we have been having weekly zooms on Friday mornings and monthly evening ones for 6 months. In SADMES we are having another monthly one tomorrow and enjoyed them so much we added in a daytime one on the interleaving fortnight, also forking out for the paid version 'cos we needed more than 40 minutes.

Actually if you do want more time you can arrange a coffee break after one session and a new meeting (with same pasword etc five minutes later.

I suggest you set the default to join without going to waitng room or you will have to individually let everyone in. Also consider passing the host over to a sidekick after starting whose job is to spot interlopers and zap them. If someone is rejected they cannot get back in for the duration of the meeting.

Maybe next time - computer sound and web cam has packed up. Hoping for a newer one soon. Have a good meet!

Yes please Neil tho I can,t do Tues.

Sounds like it may be a good experience, please send me details Neil.

Emgee

Great idea, will join if I can.

Yes please; I'll join in if I'm around.

Bill

I would be interested in participating.

I think Zoom meetings are like busses -- nothing for six months and then two or three the same day!

Thanks for thinking of it

MC Black

In many ways it is a nice idea but I am uncertain for two reasons:

1. It may change the nature of the forum. I am not sure how or even what I really mean. It is just different.
2. In my experience it takes about 20 seconds for each person to enter a Zoom meeting. As Neil says he only has 40 minutes and the joining will eat heavily into an already brief meeting. I know you can have longer meetings but I think these have to be paid for.

At present I will sit on the fence.

Thanks for the idea.

JA

I think I would join in if I'm available.

regards Martin

I would like to take part, so count me in...

Regards

Derek