I love citing examples of the practical uses of Twitter, largely because of the constant references to how pointless and narcissistic it is. In this case I just had an extended discussion with Liz Kolb to try and locate the source of her web camera problems:
Liz: Anyone use DimDim for conferencing? If so, feedback? We cannot afford Elluminate…
Me: @lkolb We’re planning on taking a look at but haven’t had a chance yet. I seem to recall that @MetaWeb20 has used it before.
Liz: @mbogle Thanks I’ll check your reference…I like it, don’t love it…but it is free! Can’t get the video feed to work.
Me: @lkolb Do you have any other instancese of the web camera active (e.g. a preview)? Some programs don’t like that and won’t find the device
Liz: @mbogle…can’t seem to find any preview type options. I might be missing something though.
Me: @lkolb By preview I mean set-up wizard or IM client They often display the current contents ofweb cam, which means the device is being used.
Liz: @mbogle hmmm…I will take another look. I must be missing something. Afterall DimDim says it is “easy” set up! Thanks
Me: @lkolb You may not have any of that active, it’s just the first thing I normally suggest. Next is to confirm the right device is selected.
Me: @lkolb In many Flash-based app’s (not sure if DimDim is or not), there are two places where camera is selected. Must be same in both spots.
Me: @lkolb LOL “easy” is a very subjective term isn’t it! If you want, you could take a screen shot of the settings and I’ll take a look.
Unfortunately we haven’t managed to locate the cause of the problem, but it nonetheless turned into a very interesting experiment – and with a response time that was arguably faster than your average help desk.
Here’s hoping you resolve the problem, Liz!
I’m keen to try DimDim so tweet me if ever you want to have a play.
Mike, thanks for the post. I find it interesting that with the growth of social media, we’re less like to reach out to support for the company that makes the product we’re using.
I’ve sent Liz an @reply to offer assistance and included my contact info below.
Thanks.
-k
Kevin Micalizzi, Community Manager, Dimdim Free Web Conferencing
e: kevin@dimdim.com / http://www.dimdim.com
Hi Kevin,
I find with Twitter users at least the natural first point of contact are their contacts – that’s what I do. Especially amongst the people I follow, there’s a tremendous amount of expertise available from people who are only too happy to help.
Mind you I certainly don’t discount tech support – and I didn’t mean to imply that Dimdim’s tech support was slow (was more of a passing thought). Indeed, the fact you took the time to comment here and contact Liz is testimony to Dimdim’s dedication and reflects quite positively on the service/software in my book.
I think you’re right about the nature of social media and the implications it has for standing traditions and ways of working. Everything seems to be up for renegotiation, which is fascinating to watch unfold.
Thanks very much for the comment!
Cheers,
Mike
Mike, definitely didn’t take it as a commentary on Dimdim support. Just an interesting shift in how we do business.
The conversations are already happening and it’s natural we gravitate towards the fastest response. Just more work for companies to find them and participate. I know it keeps me busy.
Thanks again!
-k
Kevin Micalizzi, Community Manager, Dimdim Free Web Conferencing
e: kevin@dimdim.com / http://www.dimdim.com