CU THEN AND NOW
by CL
"Rambling Preamble"
I'm always looking for new programs to extend my computers capabilities,
play with, or just see what they do. When I stumbled across CU-SeeMe, I
said aha! (OK -so its trite)- I've got a camera already hooked up, let's see
how I can screw things up with this! As a new user of CU-SeeMe, I was
intrigued by the program, curious about the people using it, and of course
looking for naked women and a good time.
"Virtuality- What A Concept"
While some might think of it as virtual reality, however, it's a mix of real
people in a virtual setting. Where else can you relax in your own home
while talking to a group of people with out having to provide refreshments
or cleanup the mess afterwards. While everyone has at least some level
of computer skill (just getting to a ref implies you have some knowledge),
it's still a very diverse group of people. Just as in the "real" world, you
find idiots/jerks, wallflowers, those with whom you exchange a few
pleasantries, and those that you can really relate to. Sitting in front of
a computer, camera notwithstanding, may tend to exaggerate those
qualities in individuals (especially the idiots and jerks -- "here's a license
to shed any social skills you may have"). On the other hand, how many
parties have you been to where those same people exist (is a computer
the equivalent of alcohol?). The large majority of people are pretty nice,
everyday folks that you have no problem associating with. (The
aforementioned jerks/idiots just stand out because they are so irritating).
"Technical Jargon"
When I started, I had a 486 and thought the computer just couldn't handle
the load, although at times it did fine. With a new computer, I found it's
the refs that seem to cause most of the problems I was having - still had
the same problems at some sites (vids slow to open, can only open one at
a time, don't open at all, etc.). New servers/software has really improved
things at other refs. I hope this trend continues and more sites are
upgraded.
Software at the user end keeps moving on also. Unfortunately, in the case
of White Pine, corporate strategy seems to be trying to shut out users of
Cornell v1.0 with the advent of WP v4.0. Whether this succeeds remains
to be seen. Seems to be a lot of complaints about their latest wonder.
Consumers Unite!
It really is a help to know the technical terms and shorthand that has
developed ("rehi" threw me the first time I saw it). There is a wealth of
information out on the web to get new users going, help with the technical
details, and get in sync. A few holes still exist to be filled. Now if only
everyone would read it.
"Chatting It Up"
There is something about seeing who you're talking to that adds a new
dimension to conferencing. While few people take advantage of the
camera's full potential (why do so many want to be a director and not
an actor?), seeing a person (from a male point of view: a woman or
identifiable female body part) is enough to attempt to start a conversation.
(How do you tell when a ref is full of guys? -- there's little or no chatting
going on).
While the chat is a magnitude better than what I've seen in chat rooms, it
is still at a relatively simple level. Mostly small-talk -- conversation is
pretty much held to one line(ers). When a group of people is involved,
several conversations going on at once can be downright hard to follow,
especially if the chat is fast paced or there's some one sided private
chatting going on. It's at its best when one person (or couple, or
whatever) is the focus, while at least some of the other participants
supply a good part of the chat (feedback from the focus while not
required, can add a lot). On occasion, the chat gets a good rhythm, can
be really hilarious, and is a real pleasure to participate in, or just follow
along.
Many people never seem to enter a conversation. The most common
reason I would surmise is that a lot of people can't type (I have a few
friends who won't even send e-mail because of their typing skill). If you
hunt and peck (and backspace frequently - typos, typos, tpyos!), the
conversation has probably bypassed your comment. Entering a
conversation can be difficult, quite a few comments go
unacknowledged, leaving people to wonder if they are even noticed
much less included. However, there are inherent limitations on typing
out answers to everyone. I'm quite content to sit back and just watch
the flow of comments, especially when there are already several people
chatting.
"RM's- where's a cop when you need one?"
For being a volunteer position, it seems like it would either be a lot of
hassle or new territory for power mad individuals to exert control
(Stop - you! Your papersss, please!). For the most part RM's (refmons)
seem to be pretty easy going and allow the rules to be pretty well bent
(even cracked or totally ignored quite a few times). Occasionally I've
wished there was a refmon around to kick some dufus off. Usually just a
warning suffices to keep in check potential problems and most people
calm down when one is issued. A few RM's may occasionally get a little
out of hand and cause more problems than they solve (I know I have my
bad days too). To the RM's out there - good going guys and gals!
"Closing Statements"
In conclusion, I came out of curiosity and wound up finding some friends.
It works fine (most times, anyhow), the people are pretty cool, and I can
have a good time (found some beautiful clothed and unclothed ladies too)!
I think I'll be back again.
CL: <---- wondering who's online right now?
