RSS 
Email 
Twitter
FacebookVirtual Meetings? Chat Feature
February 20th, 2007 | Posted in Technical Writing 2 Comments »
One of the responses in our recent chapter survey showed that members want more information about other members (see #3). I think this means members want to interact more, to get to know their peers better.
But going out to the meetings each month isn’t always possible given the remote locations of some members. And others have family commitments or other obstacles that prevent them from interacting.
To get around this, I’ve added a chat feature to the Suncoast chapter site. I hope to start experimenting with virtual get-togethers. I’m not sure what topic would work — maybe just an evening of introductions. Has anyone ever done member chats? Does it work well? My feeling is that it may require someone to direct and lead the discussion on a certain topic.
If you are talking about using chats during a regular meeting, yes, it is a job for one person to take on at the meeting itself. That person is responsible for typing in topics as they are discussed in the room. Those on the chat can then add their comments. The chat person at the meeting has to focus on those comments and then add them to the live meeting in the room. It is a bit demanding for that one person who may not get so much out of the meeting itself because they are monitoring chat all the time. Been there, done that. Probably more suitable to work meetings – where you have a topic to work on.
If you are talking about a pure chat, I know of groups who schedule chats on a regular basis – every Tuesday from 7-9 P.M., for example. Yes, someone monitors it to keep the topics going, but someone is also scheduled to be there for those who show up. I have understood that mixing chat on a schedule basis with other services like a website and a discussion list provides a nice buffet of choices for members. Something for everyone.
Personally, I don’t like chat. It’s too chaotic for me. I have used it at meetings where I am not able to attend a live meeting or where all are in remote locations. It is great for immediate exchange of files, clarification of a link, spelling, or whatever. I think it is great you are offering it though because the varied buffet idea is good for a community. Over time, you’ll learn how well the different aspects work in different situations. Good luck!
Karen,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with chat sessions. We’re not planning to do live chat during the actual meetings, because then we’d have to provide a live stream of the speaker. We’re probably just going to schedule biweekly chat sessions like you mentioned. I’m going to try to find a chat leader, although I’ll refer to it with a more dignified title like Virtual Meeting Coordinator. I’ll let you know how it goes.