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#tcchat

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Transcript from January 26, 2011 to January 27, 2011

All times are Pacific Time
 
January 26, 2011
1:32 pm juliov27612: RT @2moroDocs: New post. #tcchat: Moving Ahead and Planning Considerations http://bit.ly/ifaNW2
3:55 pm 2moroDocs: Morning, everyone. Will be around to discuss planning for #tcchat in an hour, if you'd like
3:57 pm SIHOcares: @2morodocs What's #tcchat? thanks!
4:03 pm 2moroDocs: @sihocares Hi there! #tcchat is a Twitter chat for the field of technical communication (tech writers). It's in the process of transition.
4:07 pm 2moroDocs: @sihocares I suppose you may see more medical tech writers in your field. There's quite a variety of topics tech writers work on. #tcchat
4:09 pm 2moroDocs: @sihocares If you have questions about tech writers/technical communication or Twitter chats, let me know! #tcchat
4:59 pm 2moroDocs: starting in a few mins #tcchat
5:01 pm 2moroDocs: Hello. Starting today?s #tcchat, which will be different. Discussing plans to continue it. I?m winding down my involvement: this week & next
5:01 pm 2moroDocs: before beginning: anyone here for this today? #tcchat
5:03 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs I'm here. #tcchat
5:04 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland Hi Karen. #tcchat
5:05 pm 2moroDocs: Well, I believe that the weekly live discussions need to continue. Very important. Has been beneficial in a number of ways #tcchat
5:07 pm 2moroDocs: What would you like to see, Karen? #tcchat
5:07 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs Agreed! #tcchat helps us find & learn from each other. But one person can't carry the burden of running it. Rotate? Sign up?
5:08 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland I made a spreadsheet in G Docs listing roles; ppl could sign up each week #tcchat
5:09 pm 2moroDocs: I never minded working on it, BTW :) Has been very rewarding #tcchat
5:09 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs Maybe #tcchat evolves into guerilla #tcchat - use the tag whenever u throw out a Q for discussion?
5:10 pm juliov27612: @2moroDocs It will be a busy couple of weeks, so won't be able to participate. Sorry, Julie. #tcchat
5:10 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland Good option, for sure. Tag is there 24/7. The weekly live #tcchat very impt, though. Would b good 4 that 2 continue
5:11 pm 2moroDocs: So I guess those are the two main options: use whenever you have a ques to pose in general. & keep weekly going, w/sharing tasks #tcchat ??
5:12 pm 2moroDocs: @juliov27612 That's fine. :) Deadlines are impt - #tcchat
5:12 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs In my experience w/ #stcorg chatpter, I learned u can't keep something going unless others r willing to step up & run it. #tcchat
5:13 pm 2moroDocs: Maybe all that's needed for now is to note those two options and open this discussion for the week. If there's interest ... #tcchat
5:13 pm 2moroDocs: ... in the spreadsheet, I'll post a link to it #tcchat
5:14 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland True. #tcchat
5:14 pm kemulholland: #techcomm Hey, we're discussing the future of #tcchat in case you're interested.
5:15 pm content2000: @2moroDocs coming in late, as usual. other option I tossed out earlier was having a weekly topic for #tcchat and leaving it open all week
5:15 pm edmarsh: @kemulholland wish i could join in. #techcomm #tcchat
5:15 pm 2moroDocs: How about this? People could note through the week, via the #tcchat tag, if they would be interested in leading a discussion sometimes
5:15 pm 2moroDocs: Or, just show up at these times and have an informal discussion #tcchat
5:15 pm content2000: @2moroDocs also a good idea. If you have a topic you want to learn about, step up and keep the convo going that week #tcchat
5:16 pm content2000: @2moroDocs problem I have is remembering to pop in at this exact time. Thus my leaning for a longer chat-window time #tcchat
5:17 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs That sounds like it could work - #tcchat "what's on your mind today?" wouldn't require an agenda.
5:17 pm 2moroDocs: @content2000 Yep. That would be good. I had a schedule of topics that I thought were impt & timely #tcchat
5:17 pm 2moroDocs: Could go with that, or come up w/a new list #tcchat
5:18 pm 2moroDocs: @content2000 Do you mean longer than the hour-long discussion? #tcchat
5:18 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs declare a topic, let participants steer the discussion - that could make for a good #tcchat too.
5:19 pm content2000: @2moroDocs Yes. Rather than say 'topic x - wed at noon' it's #tcchat
5:19 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland Seems like that would work #tcchat
5:19 pm content2000: @2moroDocs dang.. .fatfingered reply. Call for 'topic x' all week.. or all day. Peeps follow the tag to participate. #tcchat
5:20 pm 2moroDocs: One thing to also keep in mind. Ppl were planning to attend some weeks based on topic. They were scheduling it #tcchat So good to have mix?
5:20 pm content2000: @2moroDocs host repeats topic 2x a day to remind people maybe? #tcchat
5:21 pm 2moroDocs: @content2000 All good ideas you're coming up with. #tcchat
5:23 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs that sounds good - having a general topic is good, so we don't end up rehashing trivia like 1 space vs 2. :-) #tcchat
5:23 pm 2moroDocs: Maybe a recap of ideas would be good here. #tcchat Will give it a try. Just a sec -
5:24 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland Yep. I really thought abt topics, too. Think they're ones that ppl need to know abt. Also a "request" topic 1 wk/month #tcchat
5:25 pm 2moroDocs: There's much to keep up with. Good to discuss what's coming, plus general info, too, IMO #tcchat
5:25 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs Maybe handle topics by informal poll, so less work to come up with them? #tcchat
5:25 pm 2moroDocs: Someone had requested style guides as a topic, for instance #tcchat
5:26 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland I ran polls several times. People don't respond. That's why I came up w/a list & kept 1 week open for requests #tcchat
5:26 pm 2moroDocs: Requests normally came up in the course of individual #tcchat sessions
5:27 pm 2moroDocs: Polls are also work to set up. If people aren't going to fill them out, it's time wasted #tcchat
5:28 pm robocolumn: I like the fluid idea where #tcchat could be led by someone with a general question (e.g. usibility, technical). #tcchat
5:28 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs Ah, that makes sense - maybe end each #tcchat by asking what should be the next topic? Easier when ppl r thinking abt it.
5:30 pm 2moroDocs: @robocolumn Do you mean just choose a topic on the fly, or plan ahead & sign up? That's how I set up spreadsheet. Can sign up 2 lead #tcchat
5:31 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland That's a good idea #tcchat
5:31 pm robocolumn: I can't type today. "usibility" = "usability" of course :-) #tcchat
5:32 pm 2moroDocs: @robocolumn No worries. We knew what you meant - #tcchat
5:33 pm robocolumn: @2moroDocs Was thinking on the fly. People just turn up, ask question & get answers. Zero prep apart from some marketing. #tcchat
5:33 pm 2moroDocs: Determining topics summary 4 live #tcchat: plan ahead, have informal ones (open-mic), as you go (request at end of chat)
5:34 pm 2moroDocs: Topic summary for anytime: just toss a question or comment to #tcchat tag. Daily or week-long discussion
5:35 pm 2moroDocs: From what I've seen so far, looks like the votes are more for an informal, just show up & talk about whatever #tcchat Is that right?
5:37 pm 2moroDocs: Perhaps this could be a discussion for the rest of the week. Ppl can say what kind of weekly live chat they want. #tcchat ...
5:38 pm 2moroDocs: ... and the #tcchat tag could still be used anytime to pose questions and have discussions
5:39 pm robocolumn: I like that RT @2moroDocs: ... and the #tcchat tag could still be used anytime to pose questions and have discussions #tcchat
5:40 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs this all sounds completely reasonable to me. Let's see if #tcchat is sustainable with less structure.
5:40 pm 2moroDocs: Was there anything else you can think of, besides the chat topic? Any other consideration? #tcchat
5:40 pm robocolumn: Only issue with using the #tcchat tag outside of the weekly session is that it is just a smaller version of #techcomm. Duplication? #tcchat
5:41 pm content2000: @2moroDocs excellent test to see if weekl-long discussion works or is a bust. One of us starts the day w/ reminder of topic ... #tcchat
5:42 pm content2000: Also thinking there is a place for the live #tcchat. Brainstorming happens quicker plus q/a format works better 'live' than all week long.
5:42 pm 2moroDocs: @robocolumn That wld take the community to determine. Think the other tag is a mix of info and marketing. Plus ... #tcchat
5:43 pm 2moroDocs: ... there is always a steady stream of tweets that come in for various topics #tcchat
5:43 pm 2moroDocs: If you keep #tcchat for discussion*only*, it would differ #tcchat
5:44 pm 2moroDocs: @content2000 Go for it! I saw that you started a discussion yesterday. That's all you'd need to do #tcchat
5:44 pm kemulholland: @content2000 @2moroDocs I like that idea. "#tcchat for this week - STYLE GUIDES! Ready, set, go!"
5:45 pm 2moroDocs: @content2000 Agreed. And it definitely worked well to have interaction w/peers in diff corners of the world. Other bens, too #tcchat
5:46 pm 2moroDocs: @2morodocs Wouldn't have to limit it to one topic for the anytime-use-of-the-tag option, either #tcchat
5:47 pm 2moroDocs: For that matter, if ppl show up & there are multiple topics to discuss, could go w/them all. #tcchat ...
5:47 pm 2moroDocs: ... that's the nature of Twitter chats. Not uncommon for multiple convos to occur at once #tcchat
5:49 pm 2moroDocs: It's 9:50; running out of time #tcchat
5:49 pm 2moroDocs: How about this idea? #tcchat
5:50 pm 2moroDocs: Have 1 more formal disc next week re Accessibility. Then open-mic after that & see what happens. Ongoing use of #tcchat tag as you want
5:52 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs Multiple topics? Like it. BTW, v disappointed I won't be able to participate in #tcchat next wk - will be offline & OOO.
5:52 pm 2moroDocs: If anyone thinks that people might want to choose a topic & lead one some week, I could open up a sign-up spreadsheet. #tcchat
5:52 pm 2moroDocs: If not, then open-mic, informal only #tcchat
5:54 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland Darn! Would miss u, for sure. Allowing 4 mult topics wld b good so ppl who take time to show up get ques answered #tcchat
5:56 pm kemulholland: @2moroDocs Of all possible #tcchat topics, #a11y is the one that I'll MOST regret missing when I'm out of the office next week.
5:57 pm 2moroDocs: Well, I guess I'll leave it at that, then. Will plan for 1 more #tcchat (accessibility) & then consider it completely open-mic discussions.
5:58 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland Sorry about that, Karen. It was supposed to be this week. It's just been too hard for me. #tcchat
5:59 pm 2moroDocs: Well, I guess I'll wrap this up today. Looks like there's a plan. 1 more live formal chat. Then up to community. Ongoing use of #tcchat tag
6:01 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland @content2000 @robocolumn Thanks for coming today & all your input. We'll see what happens #tcchat
6:02 pm techcommnews: @2moroDocs Just checking in now. Looking forward to accessibility session, if there is a S2. Glad for proposed open mic sessions. #tcchat
6:03 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland I didn't mind working on it at all, esp finding out what positive impact it had. The decision & continuing was hard #tcchat
6:03 pm 2moroDocs: @techcommnews Wouldn't leave out S2! #tcchat
6:06 pm 2moroDocs: Signing off for today folks. Off to other work. Thanks! #tcchat
6:25 pm content2000: @2moroDocs agree- #tcchat is for interactive discussion.. #techcomm seems more one-off tweets (just my random experience w/ the two).
7:11 pm kmdk: @2morodocs Missed chat completely due to transport issues. I am prepared for a11y next week - or whatever notes from today say! #tcchat
7:15 pm kmdk: #techcomm - for info and marketing. #tcchat - for discussion only. That distinction makes sense to me, @2morodocs.
7:18 pm kmdk: @kemulholland Sorry you can't make #tcchat next week for #accessibility. You're welcome to send me questions. Will get answers back 2 you.
7:20 pm 2moroDocs: @kmdk Thanks, Karen. Glad you can help with that. :) #tcchat
7:20 pm kemulholland: @kmdk Thanks! but don't worry about it - I'll set up a search column for #tcchat & go through it later.
7:27 pm docboxwriter: @2moroDocs Sorry I missed the #tcchat. Looks like it was a good discussion.
7:30 pm PattyBlount2: Darn! i mised #tcchat again.
7:52 pm sarahmaddox: I like this idea from @2moroDocs: Use #tcchat for informal, just show up & talk about whatever. Assume "whenever" too?
8:00 pm PattyBlount2: @sarahmaddox @2moroDocs Agree; #tcchat for informal whenever/whatever use. I participate in several chats this way.
8:24 pm 2moroDocs: @sarahmaddox @PattyBlount2 Absolutely, whenever. #tcchat tag is always open :). Would like it to stay for discussion only, if possible
8:24 pm 2moroDocs: @kemulholland I'll put the transcripts up, too #tcchat
8:26 pm 2moroDocs: @docboxwriter S2 is still on for later today, if u can come by. Discussing how 2 continue #tcchat. There's definitely interest in that
8:27 pm 2moroDocs: Then, next week: last "formal" #tcchat. Topic is Accessibility, both S1 & S2. Hope you can all make it to that one
8:32 pm 2moroDocs: @sarahmaddox Not exactly sure who came up w/what idea earlier. Would good to review transcripts. I summarized sometimes. Good ideas #tcchat
9:04 pm 2moroDocs: Think all these #tcchat ideas will work. Can start 2moro. Week topic: accessibility. Daily topic: let's try 1 each day. Cld be acc related
9:05 pm 2moroDocs: What good is an idea if you don't try it out? Think all these will work. Have to go for it! #tcchat
9:05 pm 2moroDocs: Interested to see what ideas come up in S2 today #tcchat
 
January 27, 2011
12:45 am mojoneill: RT @kmdk: #techcomm - for info and marketing. #tcchat - for discussion only. That distinction makes sense to me, @2morodocs.
1:16 am 2moroDocs: @mojoneill Oh, good. Hope you can drop by in a bit to discuss continuing #tcchat. Some good ideas earlier today
1:18 am 2moroDocs: A little late with this notice 2day. Will have #tcchat S2 in 45 mins re ideas 4 continuing. If ppl can't make it, will go w/earlier notes
2:00 am 2moroDocs: Hi S2! Having informal #tcchat today to discuss ideas for continuing the chat. Are you game?
2:03 am 2moroDocs: seeing a fail whale on Twitter #tcchat
2:04 am kirstyt: #tcchat I'm game, but might need to grab some lunch soon. :)
2:05 am 2moroDocs: @kirstyt OK. I'm hoping my tweet goes through. Let's see... #tcchat
2:06 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs I'm in #tcchat
2:07 am kirstyt: @2moroDocs I can see you! #tcchat
2:07 am 2moroDocs: Took a while. Be patient. Twitter slow for me. I'll list what ppl said earlier & start from there #tcchat
2:08 am 2moroDocs: Ideas to continue using #tcchat on day-by-day and weekly discussion basis. In effect, post a ques/topic anytime 24/7 & join in as u can
2:09 am 2moroDocs: @kirstyt Good! Sorry it's so slow - #tcchat
2:09 am 2moroDocs: Weekly live #tcchat ideas: have informal convos each week. Just show up & talk abt whatever. An open-mic session
2:10 am 2moroDocs: Not as much interest in planning ahead. But, I think it's good 2 have some schedule so ppl can plan ahead #tcchat Maybe can't make all
2:11 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs it's slow for me too #tcchat
2:11 am 2moroDocs: That's the basic info. What do you all think or want to see? #tcchat
2:12 am kirstyt: Not sure that having #tcchat on day-by-day basis is any different to just asking/discussing on twitter, except for the hashtag.
2:12 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques Makes me feel like I'm wading through molasses. Used to a real-time, right-this-second lifestyle, I guess #tcchat
2:12 am mojoneill: hola! #tcchat
2:14 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs I really liked having a schedule of topics with leading questions. Not sure I'll show up much for ad hoc #tcchat
2:14 am 2moroDocs: @kirstyt True. Using the tag might just help a bit more. Can track a tag all the time. I have a column in HS just for that. #tcchat Maybe??
2:14 am 2moroDocs: @mojoneill Hello there - #tcchat
2:16 am mojoneill: i just wanted to add my support as well. informal is fine. I'll miss the structured chat you MCed...but understaand the time issues. #tcchat
2:16 am ms_marques: @kirstyt yeah... daily would just make #tcchat an alternate to #techcomm. Don't see much point
2:16 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques I think it wld be good to have a mix. One reason 4 #tcchat is to share expertise.
2:17 am 2moroDocs: Might have to do some experimenting and tweaking. I do think there's interest, though, in having #tcchat continue somehow
2:19 am 2moroDocs: #tcchat could be used for discussion only. #techcomm is a good mix, and sometimes tweets fly by on varied topics
2:19 am kirstyt: @2moroDocs Topic of the Day I get. #tcchat
2:19 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs yeah,a mix is good. I'd be willing to lead a #tcchat every couple of months (s2 only)
2:19 am 2moroDocs: RT @ms_marques by daily, it's more like a Topic of the Day. You could toss out a ques any day & discuss it more. Just another option #tcchat
2:20 am 2moroDocs: Not saying not to use techcomm for discussions. It's good to have them there. #tcchat
2:21 am 2moroDocs: @kirstyt Oh, good. That's what's meant. And it's only if ppl choose to post a ques or not any given day. #tcchat
2:22 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques Great! that would work well. Another way for ppl to learn how to moderate a chat, too, in case it comes up. #tcchat
2:22 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs nothing against a daily #tcchat, but I don't have time for that frequency.
2:23 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques It's meant to be an answer if and when you want. Could go throughout the day, or days. Not a live discussion. #tcchat
2:24 am 2moroDocs: Daily use of #tcchat is more along lines of add your comments at some point, if you want. Really no formal format to it at all.
2:27 am 2moroDocs: What's come out is two ideas: weekly live #tcchat. Maybe mix of open-mic & scheduled. Other: use tag whenever for gen ques/convos.
2:27 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs I understand, but the reason I attend s2 of #tcchat is that it's evening. Not enough time Tuesday - Thursday during the day.
2:28 am kirstyt: @2moroDocs They seem like good ideas. #tcchat
2:28 am mojoneill: agree with @kirstyt. they seem like good ideas. #tcchat
2:29 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques That's one reason why there's S2. Daily anytime use of the tag is totally optional. Nothing formal, no reqs #tcchat
2:30 am 2moroDocs: Hasn't been used much for that so far. Don't know how much it would be. Some thought it might be an alternative to live #tcchat
2:31 am 2moroDocs: Daily, in this case, really means anytime in a 24-hr period (or longer, for that matter). Totally fluid. #tcchat
2:33 am 2moroDocs: Well, my only other idea at this point is to try out some of these things. Am planning a last "formal" #tcchat next wk for accessibility
2:34 am 2moroDocs: After that, could try some open-mic & scheduled topics. See what might work. Also, some use of #tcchat tag during the week
2:34 am 2moroDocs: It's all I can think of. Take everyone's ideas & try them out. :) #tcchat
2:34 am sarahmaddox: Hallo all #tcchat :) I like the idea of less formal. Chime in whenever you can. The #techcomm tag seems more for posting links and info
2:36 am 2moroDocs: @sarahmaddox Hallo Sarah! #tcchat I could see the two tags serving diff purposes. Much good info rolls through that tag
2:37 am 2moroDocs: One idea: just look at tags for other T chats. You can see how ppl use them between chats. Very common. Chats never close totally #tcchat
2:39 am 2moroDocs: Do you all have any other ideas or something you'd like to see? #tcchat
2:39 am 2moroDocs: What do you think abt having moderators switch off/take turns? Thought it would be good for ppl to learn how to do that #tcchat
2:40 am mojoneill: no questions. excited by what the future has in store... #tcchat
2:40 am 2moroDocs: I still think these types of chats could be used by companies to interact with customers #tcchat That's why I keep suggesting that
2:41 am 2moroDocs: @mojoneill Sky is limitless, IMO. Forget all that "sky's the limit" boundary #tcchat
2:43 am sarahmaddox: I think it's a cool idea to have different people taking turns as moderator #tcchat
2:43 am 2moroDocs: Guess the next step is to come up with a plan. Will work on that. Think it's impt for #tcchat 2 continue.
2:44 am sarahmaddox: Another idea might be to define a 24-hour period as the "main" session for a single #tcchat topic. E.g. just "Wednesday"....
2:45 am sarahmaddox: ... That suits people in all time zones and also gives a nice boundary to a topic #tcchat
2:45 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs I'm fine with diff #tcchat moderators and can volunteer for occasional s2
2:45 am 2moroDocs: @sarahmaddox It's fun to do, and very, very different. There's much to watch & keep track of. #tcchat
2:46 am 2moroDocs: @sarahmaddox Good idea. Especially for any planned topic. #tcchat
2:47 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques That would be great. As part of that spreadsheet I've been yakking about, there's space 4 ppl to sign up 2 moderate #tcchat
2:49 am 2moroDocs: Ok. I'll definitely make that G Docs spreadsheet public, along w/a short post with all these ideas. Go from there. #tcchat
2:50 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques Do you want to co-moderate next week's accessibility #tcchat S2 w/me to see how it works?
2:53 am 2moroDocs: Well, any other thoughts? If not, I'll go w/my plan: write short post w/ideas, post link to spreadsheet. Maybe start trying things. #tcchat
2:53 am 2moroDocs: Darn it. Keep getting tweet processing errors. #tcchat
2:56 am 2moroDocs: Going to close this off for today. Thanks for coming by & all the ideas! #tcchat
3:02 am sarahmaddox: @2moroDocs Thanks Julie and all at #tcchat Sounds like we have some great ideas!
3:06 am ms_marques: @2moroDocs pls send me the local of the #tcchat spreadsheet. Want to join next week, but have potential conflict
3:17 am 2moroDocs: @ms_marques Will do! #tcchat
3:17 am 2moroDocs: @sarahmaddox Thanks, Sarah. #tcchat
3:44 pm edmarsh: is there a #tcchat today? i can participate!
3:46 pm robocolumn: @edmarsh Hi Ed. We "met" yesterday to discuss how we could progress with #tcchat. Consensus was to continue on Wed in a less formal way
3:57 pm edmarsh: @robocolumn interesting. thanks for the head's up! #tcchat
6:32 pm 2moroDocs: @edmarsh @robocolumn Yep, that's right. Some other ideas came up in S2. I'll b writing quick post & will upload transcripts. #tcchat
6:33 pm 2moroDocs: @edmarsh You can still use the #tcchat anytime. If you have a ques or something to discuss, just post a tweet. Ppl can answer whenever
7:05 pm edmarsh: @2moroDocs cool. i like it! #tcchat
7:13 pm 2moroDocs: Also, having people sign up for moderating different weeks. Have other items to do first, but I'll get to those notes :) #tcchat