Due to continued concerns about COVID, we will once again use the chat room on this website to have a virtual meeting. Our meeting will start at 7PM on Friday, September 11, and will likely run for one hour. If you have logged into the chatroom previously and are using the same computer, you will probably not need to re-enter the password. If you have forgotten the password, use this form to request that it be sent to you.
We tested the new video conferencing feature available via FB, but decided against using it for the September meeting. However, we will pilot it during the September meeting. I will post a link in the chatroom to a FB video conference which members may join during our meeting. If you don’t have a camera but do have a microphone, you can participate via audio only. If this works well and if everyone can connect, we may try to have readings this Friday via the video chat, so come prepared if you want to try it out. Last month I posted on how to use your phone as a camera/microphone on your desktop PC in case you are interested in attempting that.
We have also implemented a new feature on the website. You now have the ability to upload files and to view content uploaded by other members. In order to protect the content from piracy or other unauthorized distribution beyond our group, you will need to be registered with the website prior to using this feature. This involves filling out a form where you provide your preferred email. On receipt of the form, the site manager–that’s me!–will register you with the site. You will receive notice of your registration via email along with a username, password, and instructions on how to logon.
Once registered and logged on, you could post a copy of your stories to the website for members to read at their leisure. The old Yahoo group had this feature, along with the ability to post reviews. During my time lurking on Yahoo, I did not seem very much activity, but the above new feature permits this on this website as well. In addition, you could record yourself reading your story, and members could play the recording, either during the meeting or at their leisure.
Finally, because access to the posted content is restricted to members of this group, it does not constitute “publishing” in the same way that posting on an open website would–see the earlier post on copyrights. Thus, posting here preserves your copyright and ability to sell “first rights.” As a safety precaution, however, I will delete all material posted on a monthly cycle one week following the monthly meeting. If you wish that I not delete your post, you will need to notify me.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone this Friday. Be safe!
Bill