Where Do You Want Your Chatroom to Go…
Lee_Grindinger | Posted in General Discussion on
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I’d like to get some ideas from you folks.
Bill Richardson suggested having specific topics lined up. Would this encourage more attendance? If so I need to hear some topic ideas.
I can line up a few dignitaries on occasion to speak on particular topics such as finishing. What topics would you like covered?
I’ve been involved in woodworking chats for well over two years. They tend to drift toward primarily social events, not educational events and I’d like to stem that tide.
I need to hear what you did like and what you did not like about the two chats we’ve had.
Also, if Thursday’s no good what night is?
Lee
Replies
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Lee,
I'm not so sure about any kind of rigid topic structure unless you have a dignitary. It conjures up visions of you being a topic cop which could frustrate both you and participants.
*Lee,I like the idea of topics and I agree with Larry in terms of not wanting to be a topic cop. I think we are adults and generally stay on topic so I think we should give topics a try. I suggest using some of the primary topics in the Knotts thread structure such as Tools / Plans / Joinery / Finishing / Business / and General discussion. This seems to cover all areas appropriately and still leave a lot of room for a variety of themes within the discussions.Thanks for organizing this.Will
*Could someone who has expertise in a given "topic" oversee each discussion. I kinda like to topic idea also, but don't want to dilute the info being shared.Thanks to Lee for all the effort.Have fun-Rocky
*Lee,Having a topic is okay but, I think it can be sort of limiting and not all will participate. Last night, everyone there was active and there were probably two to three different "conversations" going at once; from tools to finishes. At one point I was "talking" to two different people at once and enjoyed the chat immensely.What I've noticed in other chat rooms where there is a topic, is that it winds up being dominated by just a few of the folks there.Mike, Scott, and I arrived about 10 minutes early and had a little convo about planes going when you arrived, not the "how's the weather in your neck of the woods?" type thing which I thought was neat....Any who, you know me so I'm easy....I think having a "dignitary" is a great idea. I would like to see more folks though, especially ones that are just getting started in working with wood...So; for you folks who are just getting started: Don't feel shy about attending these chat sessions. They are very informative, the atmosphere very relaxed, and it's a lot of fun.Thanks again for your efforts Lee, I am one who appreciates them.DanoP.S. Lee, I don't know if you caught it last night but, you had asked about a matte varnish, Interlux does make a rubbed effect interior varnish they call "Gold Spar Satin 60". It used to be labeled as "Rubbed Effect 60."
*I never have understood what happens in a woodworking chat that doesn't already happen on boards like these.
*CS, from what i saw last night its about the same but faster and alot happening. i liked it.
*Lee,Really liked the format last night. Two or three conversations going on that you could get into and out of depending on the point of view. It was great talking to the regulars real time. Like the idea of experts on various subjects coming into the discussion but would like to see the open format remain. Hope to see more participation. I'm really new but not easily intimidated by the more experienced. I think as time goes on we can get more of a mix in experience to spice it up.Great Job Lee!TDF
*I missed out on the chat last night -- will you be posting here as to the schedule? Last week's chat was my very first experience with a chat room, and it was quite a challenge. Although my typing speed is upwards of 90 wpm, it was still interesting keeping track of the 3 or 4 'threads' that were going simultaneously.I can see where a topic would keep things kind of organized and focused, especially if there's a dignitary. Maybe after a specified time "on topic," the chat could be thrown open for a casual get-together where we can be more spontaneous.
*Forget set topics. It's not going to happen unless there is a renowned expert of some sort in pre-announced attendance to be questioned. Chat rooms are social ocassions, but once in a while nuggets do get passed on. Keep me tied to a specific subject to pander to the visiting expert, and I probably won't be there long, unless I feel like goosing that particular experts' feathers up a bit. ;-) Slainte, RJ.
*I would think that if you wanted to have a little more control over the topic than maybe the private chat fuction couod be used. Ask who wants in and take off till you are finished your chat and then join the main board again. Dano by the way I forgot to ask how the weather was. Mike had the shop doors open so I know his weather conditions.Scott
*Why not put a link to the chat room up at the top of the FWW web page? That way, people could go there whenever they wish. Individuals could make appointments with others at any time. I find that having a dozen people talking at the same time is confusing and tends to limit the range of topics.
*Thanks folks, I'm paying close attention to what's being said.Keep going...Lee
*As I mentioned I generally like that idea of "broad" topics but I caution against the assumption that a topic necessarily means an "expert guest" must attend. Those are two very different issues and should not be considered as one. Occassional extert guests could work quite well but it introduces a new dynamic that could carry some baggage.Will
*do you have another time set up? i missed the last due to previous plans...
*I'm shooting for Thursday evening at 9:00 pm Eastern again. If you folks are missing it because of schedule conflicts let me know which night would serve better.Lee
*I think we should chat about Olympic Hockey
*Ya we can talk about that great Canadian Victory.Scott
*Scott,'Bout time, it's only been half a century...b ;-)Dano
*Dano I would be very care full with words like that. Wars have been started over less.Scott
*Scott,LOL, yeah I know. But, congratulations just the same. A neighbor asked me yesterday if I was going to watch the game, I replied that if I wanted to see a professional hockey game, I'd tune in and watch the NHL.b ;-)Dano
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