[LINK] Internet enhanced meetings for post-Copenhagen

[Stephen Wilson]

Marghanita da Cruz wrote:
> Stephen Wilson wrote:
>> ... The failure of the conference can be attributed to many complex 
>> factors, but surely nobody could contend that the result would have 
>> been better if they used video conferencing and Google wave?
> <snip>
> At least if they were using google wave
> and video conferencig, they wouldn't be
> flying or driving their large vehicles.
But the objective of the meeting was not to minimise the energy 
consumption of the meeting.  The objective was more global.  If you want 
to make an omelette, you have to break some eggs. 

Seriously, how on earth can video conferencing cope with break-out 
meetings, corridor conversations, private hotel room gatherings etc 
etc?  And who is going to entrust the most highly sensitive, politically 
diabolical drafting of agreements to Google Wave????  The privacy policy 
of Google is incompatible with individuals using it for fun, let alone 
world leaders. 

I've used video conferencing extensively.  For two friendly parties 
working on something simple, like a document review, or a software demo, 
it's great.  For more than three parties, it breaks down because the 
social cues needed amongst a group of people to hold an effective fee 
flowing conversation are unmanageable.  And for parties that are not 
friends, or do not know each other well, video conferencing is a 
disaster, because it actually fosters separateness, whispers amongst 
colleagues in one room, etc.

Cheers,

Steve Wilson.