AIN SkypeCast

[Leif Hansen]

We're considering hosting a regular SkypeCast (a free call in conference call using skype) for AIN Members. We would probably want to choose a topic in advance, in order to stay focused. What do you think of this idea? What days/times are best? Which topics would be best for a voice chat?
You can learn about and download Skype for free, here:
http://www.Skype.com

[Leif Hansen]

(This pertains to our second free-for-all Applied Improv chat, May 1st. Anyone can join by simply calling in.)

Hi guys, sorry this is last minute, but for those planning on calling into the AIN open chat today, you'll want to read the following info.

While the last open call went fine, turns out BlogTalkRadio has a 5 person limit, so I've switched the platform to a service called TalkShoe.

Here are the detail's you'll need to know to join the call today. There's no planned topic, so we'll just 'improvise' ;)

At 11:00 PST, or a few minutes earlier, you'll want to call: [phone]
When promopted Enter Call ID: 37116

For more info, and for an enhanced experience, go to:
http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/37116

Cheers,
Leif

[Leif Hansen]

Well, we had our first open AIN conf call today and it was a blast. There were five of us total (Missy Whitis, Sue Walden, Roy Kaufman, Matt Weinstein and myself.)
After some humorous technical difficulties (first time using this technology, still not sure whether we'll use this or TalkShoe.com...I need to think about it), we discussed:

• Introductions and how biz was going
• Site features and requests
• How to make this site more useful for business
• An idea of 'rewarding' people who are active posters, refer people, etc by featuring their profile on the front page (a model Biznik.com uses quite well). How to measure may be tricky, but one idea was to have a forum thread where 'compliments' are given to those who are helping others and the site, etc. The most compliments in a month gets featured for that month. It was just a start

You can listen to it here, though you may want to FFwd a few minutes...


Next Open AIN Call? Until we figure out a way to find the best time for all, we're going to do the same day/time two weeks from now, which means May 1st, 11:00PST

[Frederique Thiriet-Smith]

Thanks for recording this call. I just listened to it. That allows me to get to know some of you better. I was looking at each of your profile while you were introducing yourself. Hope to meet each of you once face to face.

Leif, you are looking for comments about the website, so I am posting two documents with suggestions.

[Paul Z Jackson]

Hi Frederique
Thanks for these really thoughtful suggestions. The site is beginning to get more complex, crowded (and interesting). I like your ideas for making it clearer and especially easier for newcomers.
Shall we see you at the Trondheim conference, where I hope there will be some discussion about best use of this site (along with many other great activities).
Cheers, Paul.

[Frederique Thiriet-Smith]

Hello,
I just listened the call. Thanks for recording it.
It was great to hear you all and get to know you better. I was watching your profile, while you were introducing you and hope to have the opportunity to meet you face to face once.
Leif, as you are looking for comments about the web site, I am posting two documents with suggestions.

[Leif Hansen]

By the way, if folks haven't used skypecast, they may want to play around first in one of the public rooms...go to http://www.skypecast.com and click on the 'on now'.

[Paul Levy]

Great idea. I'm also a regular user of LiveMeeting. And currently writing a short play where one of the actors is actually online during the piece, performing via webcam! So, let's experiment with hooking up using Skype!

UK times for me are anytime between 8am-midnight GMT.

It would be good to
- address a common question. It works well if we could agree the questions in advance and attempt to post initial responses onto the forum. Then, when the skypecast happens we are already a bit versed in the topic
- we could do exactly the opposite of what I just suggested and be entirely spontaneous and use a "talking approach" based on whatever is "live" for us that day. Perhaps a live problem or challenge facing each of us. In the same spirit, we could do a little "action learning" and become an action-focused sounding board for some live problems
- we could have a "host" who gives a short little intro/talk on a topic of passionate interest to them. sharing a little case study or story
- we could do an experience share, shaing some stories, successes, failures, current techniques or approaches
- we could debate a theme based on one of the forum topics

Just a few ideas!

warm wishes

Paul

[Leif Hansen]

Great Ideas Paul, thanks for the input. I'm talking with Alain this weekend, and hopefully we'll have some next steps and a fist experimental AIN skypecast date set up by next week.

[Johnnie Moore]

Love this idea. As a Brit I have my own timezone desires and we are an international network. So I think we might want to rotate times so everyone gets a fair crack.

I suggest we ask for a volunteer to act as host for each 'cast, and that person gets to set the theme and format. If we go with that, I'd be happy to host one on a theme of: silence and the smallest interventions.

J

[Leif Hansen]

Great Kerstin, feel free to ping me using wonderosity.

[Kerstin Gauffin]

Hi Leif and all! I have recently installed Skype and think it is great to be able to voice connect, too. Sometimes that is superior.