SXSW and Rendezvous
One of the things I got really geeked about (no pun intended) at the conference was the tools that allowed for open community.
iCal’s Rendezvous was the conference standard with almost everyone using it. You would be sitting in a room of about 50+ people and see them all online. Everyone would be talking to each other while listening to the panelist. Some panelist would turn iCal on and recommend people AIM them with questions during the talk. It not only allowed for them to keep talking but it kept things organized. They could filter out stupid questions and address the good ones with everyone.
I asked a few questions during an accessibility panel and discussed with some of the panel members when they weren’t talking. When it was their turn they would mention that someone named Aaron Schaap brought up a few good points and would address them right there (ok that only happened once).
It was also a great way to meet new people. Under each person’s name we would put which class were were in and where we were sitting. You could figure it out and begin talking to them and catch up after the conference.
Bringing this idea back home I now leave rendezvous on all the time when in public places. Sad thing about Holland is that not many people do this along with ya. So if you’re in a public place - turn on Rendezvous and see who’s around you. It’s a great way to meet someone new or at least talk to me if I’m in the area.
Daniel Morrison Says:
I think if Apple integrated Rendezvous with the regular Buddy List, it would get more people to leave it on (it is on by default, right?).
I’m sure many users see an empty list and figure it is nothing worth using.
That said, I see more and more iBooks and PowerBooks around Holland. Maybe more of these people will catch on!