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“Back-channel” conversation in online chat rooms and Twitter is becoming increasingly commonplace at many conferences. Does this detract from the conference experience, or does it enhance it?
Mentioned in this episode:
- Podcasters Across Borders
- From Mass to Grass: CMA Word of Mouth Marketing
- Mass to Grass singing hamster video
- Stevie Z
- Dave Delaney
Episode #15 - Conference Back-Channel Chatter: Is it Good or Bad?: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadPopularity: 71% [?]

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A subject that’s close to my heart.. We had a great conversation about this on my blog after last year’s podcasters across borders conference (http://www.bobgoyetche.com/?p=238) …
At first I wasn’t doing this, but now, when I’m at a conference as an attendee, I lock the laptop in the hotel room, and bring a notebook to the sessions. It makes life SO much easier when you don’t have to keep an eye on your backpack or whatever through out the event..
Also, as a plus, socializing is MUCH easier, because people will tend to not want to bother someone who’s eyes are stuck on their screen. It’s also easier for you to spot people you want to talk to and walk up to them if you aren’t tethered to your computer..
Enjoying the show - looking forward to seeing you at PAB!
Bob and I talked about this yesterday. I too have decided to leave my laptop behind when I attend conferences. In fact, I won’t be hauling it around with me at PAB this year. It’s all about engagement and connecting and why bother engaging with people on the other side of the world when the idea exchange is happening in real life right in front of you?
See you in a few weeks!
[…] Bob’s blog post after PAB2007, Jay’s recent discussion. Your thoughts? […]
If people used the “backchat” to discuss the conference, I would be all for it. In my experience, the chat room turns into a forum for people to demonstrate their cleverness. We’ve all been through middle school once. No one is eager to go through it again. The presentation is a two-way street: do the presenter the courtesy of your full attention.
Thanks Sage! I largely agree with this, although I do know there are folks who are able to share real insights in the back-channel around things being said in a presentation. Providing value to folks in a back-channel rather than just trying to show how smart you are would seem to be a dividing line here.
Same thing happens on TV news stations as people can email in their comments, of course it far more heavily moderated
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