[podcast]Skypecast Consulting was it worth it?

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Earlier today I did a 4 hour session on Skype helping people with IT problems it didn’t go as well as I hoped after an ok early start. The problems I had were

• users of a Skypecast automatically start as talkers, this meant we were constantly being plagued with people yelling hello as they entered every 2 minutes and by the end of the session I was suffering RSI from clicking mark as listener button.
• Probably my fault but very few people in the cast wanted to talk IT or new media most we’re looking for some where to practice their English.
• The audio quality varied so much, and I was surprised how many people came into the room without mics!
• Swearing and profanity kept popping up, users coming in ask to talk then just swearing, I had 2 eject several users completely.

So what were the good points?

• I met several interesting people who I will contact in the near future, though while non are potential new clients I have made some friends.
• I learnt a thing or 2 a couple of the guys in the room helped out with answers it was great.
• I converted at least 1 person to Firefox!

But for this to become a serious tool I think the following needs to occur with skypecasts.

• Hosts have the option to control who talks and the default state
• When hosts hold the room people can not enter.
• Provide additional information to users before they enter, and allow the hosts to have a dynamic updating information box to display to users.
• More prominent chat icon particularly for the host, and automatically create a multi person chat for the room.

One thing I would have liked was a way for me to play a jingle or a .wav file so I could quickly update new participants to the Skypecast what it was about and give my voice a break. Ideally it would be nice to have a short audio introduction to the room as well.

So was it worth it, sure it was it was an experiment!
Would I do it again? probably but I would have to rethink how we promote it and how to organise it better, I also think it needs at least 2 hosts, if you can get round the audio issue.

Other Articles on the Venture Skills Network about Skype
Skype 3 Beta - Skype 3 Beta any good?
Skype vs the World - is Skype 3 a VOIP killer?
Skypecast Consulting - Skypecast consultations a good idea?
Skypecast this Friday!  Promoting yourself online - Our Second Skypecast Details

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