[LINK] Internet enhanced meetings for post-Copenhagen

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Stephen Wilson wrote:
> 
> 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. 
> 

The other shortcoming of Google Wave -
is that the content seems to be
locked in - can't be exported and isn't
public.

> 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.
> 
<snip>

Well this is an argument for using
broadband - imagine only the leaders
speaking publically from a room chamber
full of advisors with their consituents
and everyone else present.

Diplomatic Negotiations have taken
various forms over many years. In my
experience, technoogy is rarely the
obstacle - but if the intent and
competency in the offline job isn't
there then a spreadsheet package won't
make you into an accountant.

My most memorable experience of video
conferencing was that curiously, blokes
in sydney and melbourne used to synch
their dress - same colour ties, shirts
over several weeks. When things got
really hairy.... the outcome was to
demand me flying to Melbourne - to
project manage an installation rather than
have a face to face gab-fest.

Note, it is not only technology but
language itself that is a challenge.
What are those eskimos going to do
with all those words for snow?

Marghanita
PS for the record - I have been 
evangalising
email for about 22 years and video 
conferencing
should well and truly be

-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://ramin.com.au
Tel: 0414-869202