Time for a virtual meetup?

I hesitate to raise this as it can be quite time consuming and it might be difficult to do around the globe or across continents ... but, would there be interest in a Dyxum meetup using the Zoom conferencing software? I've used it locally, to some success with otherwise isolated photographers.

It would require a host with access to a paid version of Zoom (alas not me), and some preparation beforehand, like a small agenda of topics to work through (e.g. photos or techniques to share ...). And time for those new to Zoom to get acquainted and certainly download the app.

If there's interest, a few of us could meet to discuss what might be usefully done, and the rest of us could also feed in ideas and suggestions. I know Olympus UK user group have done something like this, and I'm sure there are local clubs and societies trying it out too.

Any thoughts?


(Also, I couldn't start this in the Meetings thread, not having the required permissions or something. Can it be moved, removing this paragraph?)

Sounds like an interesting idea Howard. As you said, I guess we’d need some things to talk about, but I’m game.

Interesting idea of Howard's, although as he has said, finding a suitable time across the world's time zones may be a little challenging.

I think I'm happy communicating via the numerous Forum categories and posts that exist here, together with the more person to person messaging that are available, but if someone does set up the virtual meeting, and the time works for me, I'd be prepared to log on and give it a try. I guess the numbers would need to be managed so the host isn't overwhelmed by dozens of feeds and having to manage all those audio and video inputs.

In current circumstances, the time problem is less, as it is less likely that people are going to be at work...

There seem to be a number of possibilities - zoom being one, does anyone have experience of something that might be accessible to all?

I'm aware of the security concerns of Zoom, but it is widely used and can be installed on most platforms - Mac/Windows/Android/IOS. It is said to be one of the easier apps to use in this area.

A positive feature (but one open to abuse by 'Zoombombers') is that people can share links in a side chat window, and share documents to everyone's screens. So if the meeting is structured so that someone wants to talk about a photo they have taken, it can be on screen while they talk about it (or indeed a sequence of pictures can be presented). It's also possible to have virtual backdrops e.g. a favourite photo - with the side benefit of hiding all the clutter behind you.

The free version of Zoom can handle up to 100 participants, I believe, though the most I have seen is 11, with the option to have all the participants neatly arranged in a grid. As far as I can see the system manages the competing inputs using a highlighting box to indicate the current speaker. I think a virtual if not actual hand can be raised to indicate that someone wishes to speak.

That said, I'd be interested to hear what other systems have to offer.

All correct, Bob.
A host needs to set it all up and send email invitations with a clickable link to the participants who log on at the appointed time. The host can then promote and demote the participants in terms of their being live on screen, or just passive participants.
Sound and vision can be turned on and off by the host who controls the numbers of people on the screen. Participants are promoted if they are to come up on screen. Anyone can post comments in the chat function as the meeting proceeds, and if their mike is on they can chime in. Unless they need to have their say, it's best if mikes are off except for the key presenters.
I'm just responding as one who has been an invitee to several Zoom hook-ups. I don't know anything about how to drive it. And the persons who were the hosts in my sessions did occasionally show signs of frustration/stress as they worked the controls.
I don’t know anything about how many people can be hooked up, but I would think they would need to be limited to a reasonably manageable number.


Edited by Jozioau - 06 April 2020 at 11:17

I’d be interested but completely unfamiliar with this tech. Happy to be guided to take part as it sounds like a very interesting idea.

Brian