Podcast Suggestions, Forum Members Roundtable Discussion

[jellotranz]

I had kind of a fun way to get forum members more involved.. Pick a topic something preferably non technical and more philosophical. We have seen some great discussions on the forums regarding things such as Avoiding Post Production, what is art etc. Take a topic and do a conference call where forum members can call in and have a roundtable discussion on the topic . Might be fun and a bit different from the norm.

[Marko]

I've never done this, but it sounds fun. All my interviews are indeed phone based but 1 to 1.

Excuse my ignorance on this matter - but how do i set that up easily?

Thx for the suggestion!
Marko

[jellotranz]

I've never done this, but it sounds fun. All my interviews are indeed phone based but 1 to 1.

Excuse my ignorance on this matter - but how do i set that up easily?

Thx for the suggestion!
Marko

Thats easy enough, I can assign a toll free number on our voice conference system, when the conference is done, It will save the conversation off as an MP3 file.

[Marko]

Voice conference system eh?
I don't have one. Skype sux for this kind of thing as well.

I am with Bell Canada - so I guess I'll need to inquire unless someone knows the answer.

Thx - marko

[jellotranz]

You don't need one, I can handle the conference call part

[kat]

That would be different! Pick a good topic and it could be quite a good conversation!

[JAS_Photo]

There are a number of free conference call sites available. You just give the invited parties the number and password. For instance they could private message you if interested and you give the number and password and conference time. As the person enters the 'room' they announce themselves. Even if it does not work out as a podcast it would be an interesting meet and greet. I play a game with players all across North America and we use it to set up raids etc. The only cost is the long distance fees that apply.

[Marko]

Sounds good.

Anyone want to suggest a topic?
Since it's your suggestion Jello, what did u have in mind?

Of course other members should suggest topics as well.

:thankyou: good suggestion!
Marko

[jellotranz]

Naa.. I'll let someone else pick the topic, that way if it bombs... NOT MY FAULT :)

[jellotranz]

ok no takers yet I see.. Ok here is one Idea... Talk about past podcasts, which ones forum members found most usefull, least usefull, most fun, etc...

[Marko]

hmmm that's an interesting suggestion Jello!

any other suggestions?

many thx!
marko

[kat]

You could always do the traditional "to photoshop/not to - where is the line" debate,
car accidents, tragedies, wars etc should photographers help first shoot second or vice versa,
are the rights of photographers slowly dissipating with the worries of terrorism and the internet, ect.,
a new form of bullying is found online with people relplacing heads on other bodies in embarrassing ways how can this be dealt with, avoided at all and should there be laws for it, hmmm...all I can come with for now. LOL..now to see if you can understand what I wrote :)

[jellotranz]

All great suggestions.. This is exactly what I was thinking.. A topic(s) that almost everyone regardless of thier experience at least has an opinion on.

[Marko]

Heck I'll do any topic:p and kat's is a fine one.

In terms of the conference call, I would suggest maybe max. 4-5 people conferring. Otherwise we may end up speaking over one another.
Has that been your experience jello? Seems like you have done this before.

Thx - -M

[jellotranz]

I totally agree, I was going to bring that up at some point.

[kat]

Ha ha..count me out. You all see how I type, the speech isn't much better (the joys of having Newfies for parents) lol!

[Marko]

OK then - let's start with 4 or five people.
Since this is jello's idea...and I'll be involved to edit the sucker, that leaves 2-3 people.

Who wants in?

Thx - marko

[jellotranz]

Obviously I have to be there to facilitate the Conference call, However if we get alot of interest, I am fine just sitting back and pretending I am not there so that someone else can join the Podcast.

[Marko]

OK then who WANTS to participate?

[jellotranz]

No one????

[Marko]

I think people are shy....
I was ready to push this one ahead of others on the list...but this one will have to wait for some participants before we can schedule it....which is cool, I have a long list of topics just waiting for their chance to make it to the Internet.:p

[kat]

Just an idea marko, but maybe a practice run would make people feel more comfortable. You know, kind of get to know eachothers voices and stuff. Just a thought.

[MoinMoin]

Hello you all,

please don’t think I am not interested in your podcasts (although I didn’t figured out, how your conferences are working – what is Canda Bell?).
But my spoken english skills are… making me more than shy ;-). And your spoken skills let me fear: I’ll never learn it! I tried to listened to one of those podcasts. Hell – do you know how fast you are speaking for foreign ears? ;-)
A machinegune is nothing against it. Well, I won’t give up – but so far I can’t participate more than hearing the podcasts :-).

[Marko]

I'm sorry I speak a bit quickly in the podcasts, it's true.
But could you imagine how boring it would sound if I slowed it down so that everyone from different countries could understand each word. 100% boring. I can see you are from Germany and in my experience German is a quick sounding language. I could be wrong but if a German podcaster slowed it down so that foreigners could get each word, I think the podcast would be boring for Germans.

Either way...I hope you continue to listen and use the pause button as needed. ;)
Of course if something doesn't make sense or was too fast and you write to me, it's my pleasure to re-explain.

Thx - Marko

[F8&Bthere]

A round table is a great idea. And jellotranz is correct- there's a bunch of conference call services out there, the company I work for uses them regularly. I'm probably too chicken to participate. My mind goes blank when I get "stage fright". But just as a suggestion I think a photoshop to/not to roundtable conference call would be very awkward for a first run. You need a more grounded simple topic like "what photo accessory or piece of equipment can you just not be without, and why?"

[zenador]

Conference Call services can be expensive, especially if you have an international call base (like we do here...)

The "free" solution is Skype, MSN chat with voice, or Ventrilo. When I was still an avid online gamer (I had a WoW addiction) my guild used Ventrilo. Free server software, free client software, with builds for Windows/Mac/Linux. Never had an issue with it.

Marko, you could install it on the web server (provided you have cleared it with the provider and have the bandwidth to spare.)

If that's not feasible, I can host it from home. I have a 10MB internet connection, and a few computers doing nothing. As long as the participants have a headset with mic for their computer, I can PM the willing participants instructions and connection details...

People like free...

Zen

[Marko]

The technology is NOT the problem and this will not cost anyone (except me if needed) anything. Thanks though for all the offers to help!!

So far nobody wants to participate or people feel shy.

If you are interested please add your name in this thread.

....and there's no pressure here either. If nobody is into it now we can try this another time.

You can be SURE that i have enough topics to keep us going for a LONG time.

Thx everyone - Marko

[kat]

Depending on the topic, I'd give it a shot. It would be something definately out of my comfort zone but I've been trying to push those limits lately.

[jjeling]

Ill second that. I would love the try that. Feeling the same way kat does, its good to push the limits sometimes. Its the only way to really push yourself and learn, especially with others from around the world. It expands the communication possibilities with this group as well. Sounds good all around for those willing to give it a shot.

My only concern is the international call. Its one thing to make a conference call in-state or nationwide, but international is another story. ?????? Just a few more thoughts.

I can speak a little french.. My french would sound like an impaired learning student though..took it in high school and one semester in college. You wouldnt get much input from me that way. Trying to listen to that conversation would be interesting too.