Author: Scott Ott

We’ll hold our second Members-only video conference Wednesday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. EDT/10 a.m. PST, using Zoom. Join Bill Whittle and me for the face-to-face discussion, and you can even suggest topics. We did a prototype last week to test it, and you can see the results here. 

If you want to participate, here’s what you’ll need.

1. Willingness to be heard and seen on video by our Members (only). While we won’t stream it live beyond the immediate participants, we plan to record the session and post it for Members here. 
2. A computer with a camera and mic (or a smartphone) — and, ideally, earbuds or headphones — with enough internet bandwidth to smoothly stream video. If you’re using a laptop, put it atop a stack of books so we’re looking straight on at you, rather than up your nostrils. If you use a smartphone, position it straight on, and either on a tripod or standing on a desk so that it’s stable, not shaky. The best framing will make the shot a little bit wider than your shoulders.
3. Ability to position the light — from a lamp or window — in front (rather than behind) you so we can see your face, not just your silhouette.
4. High tolerance for technical difficulties. Software and the internet, like people, can be fussy. If you frustrate easily, you might want to sit this one out. 

If I haven’t scared you off yet, let me know you want an invitation by sending me your email address in a Private Message through this website. You may also suggest topics via PM, or in the comment section below this post. 

Shortly before the event, I’ll send you an email invitation with a link and a password. You can download the Zoom app/client now if you want, but it also works in a browser window, so that’s not absolutely necessary.

Post any questions right here in the comments, or, if you wish, send me a PM. 

Saul Turteltaub passed away this week. I don’t recall ever hearing his name, but I know his work, and so do you: The Carol Burnett Show, Sanford and Son, That Girl, What’s Happening, Love American Style, and much more. This is my favorite paragraph from the remembrance I just read. 

…he had dated future TV star and Lamb Chop puppeteer Shari Lewis (real name: Phyllis Hurwitz) during summer camp in 1947, then met with her about a job when he got out of the Army. He was told there was nothing available, but after he put together a few sketches for her as a thank-you and sent them in, he was immediately hired for $60 a week.

Elsewhere I read that Saul wrote a lot for Shari Lewis through the years, any time she called on him…and always for scale. 

Today (April 10, 2020), we’re going to attempt a Members-only video conference at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern) using Zoom — so I need your help. That’s right, you.

This first conversation will focus on how you’re doing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant inconveniences. If you want to participate, here’s what you’ll need.

1. Willingness to be heard and seen on video by our Members (only). While we won’t stream it live beyond the immediate participants, we’re going to try to record the session and post it for Members here. 
2. A computer with a camera and mic — and, ideally, earbuds or headphones — with enough internet bandwidth to smoothly stream video. If you’re using a laptop, put it atop a stack of books so we’re looking straight on at you, rather than up your nostrils. The best framing will make the shot a little bit wider than your shoulders.
3. Ability to position the light — from a lamp or window — in front (rather than behind) you so we can see your face, not just your silhouette.
4. High tolerance for technical difficulties. Software and the internet, like people, can be fussy. If you frustrate easily, you might want to sit this one out. 

If I haven’t scared you off yet, let me know you want an invitation by sending me your email address in a Private Message through this website. If you don’t know how to use the private message feature, send me a private message letting me know. (Kidding.)

Shortly before the event, I’ll send you an email invitation with a link and a password. You can download the Zoom app/client now if you want, but it also works in a browser window, so that’s not absolutely necessary.

Our Members have always been our best content producers, and this will take that to the next level. 

So, how about it? Are you in?

Post any questions right here in the comments, or, if you wish, send me a PM. 

In these disconnected times, I’ve coughed up the dough to restore the Private Messaging (PM) feature for Members at BWDC. I’m also trying to get someone to help me test some video conferencing platforms, so I’ve sent some private messages to folks who appear to be online.

If Someone Sent You a PM: You’ll see an indicator on the bell in the lower left corner. Click it to read your message.

To Send a PM: You can send a message to someone else by visiting their profile page, either by clicking on their avatar, or going to Connect > Member Directory. In the directory, you’ll find a new message button.

To Find All Your Messages: You can also find all your messages at Connect > YourName’s Content.

If you’re interested in helping me to test the video conferencing concept, please PM me. Thanks. 

Last night (April 7, 2020), I took this pic with my Fujifilm Finepix S1, off-hand. It’s a very amateur, auto-focus, camera, but it has a 50x zoom. For some reason, I can never get enough of this magnificent Earth-satellite. This time the ridges on the right hemisphere look sharper than usual.