Like many, I found the access problems to be irritating. Still, considering that the annual flea market in my local area was scrubbed, the expo at least provided me with some of the camaraderie that the flea market would have provided. (I did miss the hot dogs and being able to browse through any items for sale, but, as the saying goes, half a loaf is better than none.)
Despite the glitches, I'm looking forward to the next expo.
73s
Bernhard VA6BMJ DE DO33fl
Sent with ProtonMail Secure Email.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ On Monday, March 15, 2021 4:43 PM, Clint Bradford via AMSAT-BB [email protected] wrote:
The event was not a “total disaster.” Thousands got in to see what they wanted to.
But there were, indeed, problems with that meeting program.
I was on from 1-4AM Pacific Saturday without problems. Left the desk to get more coffee, and returned to a disaster. That airmeet program kicked me out: “Clint, you no longer have a nice Heil PR40 nor HD Logitech camera … “ error message.
It took me almost two hours to get back in. 8AM sessions were delayed in starting. My 9am presentation went on as scheduled. As did many other 9AM sessions.
But I can truly see how many would have given up after trying to get in - both with ticket generation problems and that airmeet program being so weird.
Eric dropped by our Satellites Table yesterday afternoon, and talked to us for almost 15 minutes. Ideas were discussed. Problems were explained. Solutions discussed.
SO … although Eric is “manning up” and taking full responsibility for failures totally out of his control, no one should really blame him for anything, IMHO.
And although an interesting idea, NO ONE should really “need” a Cheat Sheet to maneuver an online convention. It should be smooth and fluid and intuitive … and once I got back in, I was able to go everywhere I wanted to. It was my first experience with airmeet … I see its potential. But it is going to have to mature quite a bit before I personally contract with them for anything (grin).
I was afraid to turn off my computer late Saturday night - fearing problems to get back on at 8AM Sunday. But I did shut down - and was able to get in in less than 30 seconds and attend Wayne Yoshida’s 8am session, then lead our Satellites Table until 5pm.
I was incensed when I logged in to social media yesterday - as many were not acting in the true best interests of improving the situation, but, instead, bitching and moaning. Yes, they paid $10 for a show. Yes, many couldn’t get in. But ALL the programs will be available to all in the next 48-72 hours: They are being edited as we speak and will be available to all.
The couple of comments that really increased my blood pressure were those that stated the show was “too commercial.” Huh? It was sponsored by AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS. What the heck is “too commercial” about that? Now, then, if Marlboro cigarettes and Cannidis dealers were prominent, I’d have a problem. But for a ham to say he didn’t;t like to see ham company support is, well, ignorant at best.
SO … I conversed with Eric 6AM yesterday … at our Satellites Table yesterday afternoon… have two email messages from him this morning … I do not doubt his sincerity in making life better for us next time. He did not spend a year creating this event only to irritate people. His integrity is NOT an issue.
Clint Bradford K6LCS 951-533-4984
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