Zoom for technical issues

[thataway]

I am asking if there is any interest of establishing Zoom Video Conferencing meetings. I envision these as being a supplement to the forum, and in no way taking the place of the forum.

Additional discussion here.


Edited by TyBoo - Poll created

[ssobol]

I won't say "I would never participate in an on line meeting", but it is highly unlikely that I would.

In the case of problems with my boat, I find it is much more convenient to post a question and then come back later to view the responses. This allows both myself and the responders to provide input as they can. Having a Zoom "meeting" requires all participants to be present and available at the same time.

Also, I would not have Zoom capability on my boat where I'm likely to need technical advice.

Just my $.02.

[thataway]

[colbysmith]

I'm with SoBELLE on this one. Colby

[rogerbum]

I'd be fine with Zoom for that purpose. I've also thought about hosting a virtual C-Brat get together for those who would like to participate. I've been doing Zoom happy hours with friends for weeks now and its been a nice way to maintain contact.

[tomherrick]

I think it's a great idea, even though I'm not the most social person in general... Sometimes actual conversation can help get to the bottom of an issue more quickly and thoroughly than written snippets online.

[hardee]

I read the question and poll answers. I get the question but the right answer was missing (Sorry -- That's my point of view. Would be interested in doing some Zoom meetings, it would just depend on the level of technicality of the subject mater.) I have been joining church meetings every weekend now for a month, plus some other rare meetings, all on Zoom. It has worked quite well, but I'm not sure I would be up to doing technical stuff on it.

The idea of a virtual CBGT sounds intriguing, maybe that would be something to try for our Friday Harbor alternative.

Harvey
SleepyC

[Teufelshunde]

Sounds good to me !

[Lew 25]

I would be interested if the learning curve isn't to steep. Lew

[bobjarrard]

Great idea. We are deep into Zoom Territory, as in five or six a week at a minimum. With the security updates I see no issues. We have had not a single hack or ZoomBomb go off at our meetings. There is a bit of digital culture to catch such as muting your audio feed, using Chat to save talk time, using both Share Screen/Background, and figuring out how to use lighting to get a good video image (no "Cave Shots" please). Count me in. My email to sent me an invite is bobjarrard@gmail.com.
Bob Jarrard

[thataway]

Great ideas, Bob. Thanks.

[Larry K]

Don’t know how much I would use it but it would be great to see everyone and have a discussion on my problems and sharing my thoughts as limited as they may be.

[Jackie]

This sounds tailor made for me and my core issues, though I don't know if I'd be comfortable with an entire zoom meeting witnessing my bad boat care. I'd certainly love to have a way to show my progress in real time and get advice on my repairs, but I, personally, might prefer one-on-one?

I can see great opportunities, though. I would certainly benefit from joining any meeting where technical topics were being discussed. There is a lot I'd like to learn and I'm just about a really bright second grader!

[bobjarrard]

All,
As we have Bob at the top of the posting list and now I notice that here is a "Poll" which I did not even know existed as a site function (learn something everyday the old dog does); why not just pick a time/day for the first meeting, send out the invite a day or two early to short circuit the lurkers (do we have lurkers? I know some of us have caught lunkers!), use the Password Function, enter in thru the Waiting Room, and see what happens?
As we are C-BRATS and therefore will have lots of opinions, may I suggest a bold member send out the invites for this coming Wednesday at 7am PST? Earlier would work for many I am sure, but we have those who are not "Left Coast" on board and some may work (what is that - have I forgot?). The other end of the day works well also, 6pm is popular. Sunday is a busy day for many of us with lots of Zoom meetings already.
As you can upload not only your Background Screen but also you can use the Share Screen function to upload pictures, documents, drawings, and even video - we could have a good old time.
Having been through a few of these Zoom startups, I suggest the first meeting deal with a gentle tutorial on the Zoom functions. It really helps to have a list of functions and tools that will be discussed and even better yet, if someone uses a "loose cannon" - that is an aim able camera, the portion of the screen in question/discussion can be zoomed in on Zoom, not all the buttons are self-evident. The host has some unique screen tools and so this job is best left to an "Assistant" with a participant shared screen up and running.
How about having the meeting hosted from someone's C-DORY, better yet, one that is in the water and moving! Or host from your Man Cave and show us your toys.
Some topics that I suggest:
#1 I would really like to learn how to use a tablet and lesser cost navigation software. Guess I am slow and often do not get the drift of what I read, video is better for me.
#2 Engine choices, especially two vs four stroke are always interesting. I like Yamaha, own a small Mercury, have serviced a fleet of 9.9's by both Honda and Yamaha, been on many a panga running a baling wire motor, like the smaller Tohatsu motors , and am intrigued by the 300 hour service interval of the Evinrudes.
#3 Panbo articles on radios, cell boosters, and the like are sometimes over my head but I am interested.
#4 "Dinks, Drunks, and Dunks" as we called tenders in my sailing days is always a good topic. I would love to find a dink that is light, takes a 2.5hp motor or more, is easy to row (with oras that fit inside the boat), stable, unsinkable, able to be beached without damage to the bottom, ready to hoist aboard (and it would be great if it can be flipped upside down without losing a few digits), comes with lockable deck chocks, has a way to fit a tight storm proof but vented cover, has good permanent fender/side wale protection, has some truly watertight storage, can be sailed using a Sabot/El Toro/Opti/generic windsurfer rig that breaks down for in-board storage, seats two plus stuff/one dog or three in a pinch, and is low cost/low maintenance!!!
I must be bored, retired, or stir crazy in Nevada lock down, or all three!!! Thanks so much for letting a guy with no C-DORY be a C-Brat for so many years.
Bob Jarrard bobjarrard@gmail.com
PS: I know Jim (former owner of Wild Blue) is always checking in here, he is
way tech smart and has a good grasp on so many topics, not the least of which is "Pets on a small boat - good idea or disaster about to happen?)! BJ

[thataway]

Bob,
Some great suggestions. I was hoping to keep the comments and suggestions the initial page:

Here

That way we have only one page of suggestions and try and keep this just as a poll.

I will copy and paste some of the suggestions on that page.

Thanks!