What’s on the iPod: Baby’s Got Sauce by G Love and Special Sauce
Somewhat slow day yesterday. I talked in the morning with two clients — one a potential client of mine, the other an ongoing client for my ongoing client (confused yet?). I may have a gig with the first and definitely have some work to do for the second.
I spent my spare time learning a new technology. I’m not one to know much about the technology that’s available to me, so I thought it was time I changed that. In fact, I’ve been using technology that I really like.
This week, it’s conferencing. Here’s what Anne and I use for the About Writing Squared conferences:
AnyMeeting. Why I love this interface: the host can simply open a PowerPoint presentation — or any document — and share it with the viewers. Other features:
– Webcam
– Record function
– Chat window
– Phone dial-in for conferencing
What I like about this instead of programs such as Free Screen Sharing: I can view the chat window and the activity behind the scenes. What I don’t like: I can’t interact or it automatically pauses the screen-sharing function.
The recording feature is especially nice. However, listeners from other countries can’t access it via any toll-free number, so that means I have to record it myself and upload that recording to Dropbox, where Anne grabs it and puts it on the About Writing Squared site. A minor hassle, and a work-around we can live with.
Have you used screen-sharing or conferencing software? What’s your favorite?
No, I haven't used it. Someone said to me once that Skype has screen-sharing functionality, but I haven't figured it out yet.
I've used Webinex, which was pretty interesting.
Thank you for sharing this info, Lori. Someone suggested another program for me to check out freeconferencecall.com, but I'm going to check AnyMeeting out too.
My business coach suggested a free recording tool called Pamela that can be useful when conducting interviews via Skype. It has an upgrade paid option available too. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to very soon.
Not a huge fan based on the one client who insists on using it, but that may have to do more with the client than the screen sharing itself.
You know the old saying, "To the person with only a hammer, everything looks like a nail"? That's her–EVERYDAMNTHING is an opportunity to use screen sharing. And there is no bigger waste of time than trying to edit a Word doc with multiple people at the same time, IMHO. Use track changes and send me a version with your questions or comments. Trust me, I'll fix it.
/rant off
Skype has screen sharing? That could be better, Damaria! We have international callers, and I don't want them to have to pay huge phone bills or opt out because of it. Thank you!
Webinex, Devon? Not heard of it. I'll check it out, too.
I've heard good things about AnyMeeting, Kim. Pamela sounds great!
Jake, I can see why you're not enamored. LOL It could be worse — I've done phone calls where everyone's on Google Docs making changes at the same time…
Don't know if it's still the case, but Webinex was big $$$. It's all we used in Corporate and I thought it was good so I checked into it when I started freelancing and had one of those you got to be kidding reactions to the price.
Jake-screen sharing Word edits -that's insane! Sounds like Freelance Follie material, but then she might take offense. 😉
Anymeeting also helps track folks who register, records and does other nifty stuff.
There's more to a webinar than just screen sharing…
I don't find Webinex… Webex which charges $49 a month for up to 25 people… anymeeting is free for up to 200 and I think does stuff at least as well as gotowebinar or whatever the name of biggie is.
Ad supported but doesn't seem to be a problem.
Oops-I meant Webex-Cisco's baby.
Hmm, that's odd, I thought I commented, but I don't see it.
Anyway, I'm about to host a Webinar with gotowebinar in the next week or so). A friend recommended it as the best of a bad bunch.
After I signed up, another friend told me about anymeeting (which, unlike Gotowebinar, allows you to record on a Mac).
I may try that next.
I'll let you know how it goes!