Once again it's that time of the week where I like to hop online for the evening on Ustream TV to (hopefully) entertain you all with my art on my weekly broadcast, Lartist At Work. (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lartist-at-work)
I really enjoy these weekly streams and if the metrics are to be believed, there's a lot of you who are turning up each week to enjoy them too. However, there's been a few issues of recent that have cropped up that I'd just like to go over, to make sure we all enjoy things.
Just like the forums, the chatroom in 'Lartist at Work' is moderated.
And generally moderated by the same folks who help us out in the forums at leasticoulddo.com and lfgcomic.com. Why them and not you? Because I know them, and they know me. They are friends and co workers and are around to assist that things keep running smoothly. The mods also know how to change the title of the chat room and will keep you apprised of links and situations you might be interested in.
Why does the chatroom need moderation? The primary reason is spammers. The 'bots find us and that gets unpleasant really fast. For that same reason we ask that if you wish to participate in a chat, you register a nickname and log in. It's free and only takes a minute.
In addition, the chats have been averaging in the hundreds of users and as much as I try, I can't keep up with all the conversations and questions that are flying by. A moderator is able to be another pair of dedicated eyes to keep us on an even keel. A couple of tools they can use are built in options for Ustream. "Bad" language is automatically censored as is the excessive use of CAPITAL LETTERS. Too much of either will see you booted temporarily. This is my choice. I know, I do swear from time to time, but deal with it. It's a double standard.
"What for was I kicked?! I didn't do nuthin'!"
If you haven't been swearing, USING ALL CAPS, or pestering people, chances are good that Ustream just hiccuped. The technology is still pretty new and there are times it's taken me ages to get online and broadcasting. There are times I've gotten disconnected. There are times *everyone* has been dropped from Ustream. Don't panic. Just log back in.
"Where did Lar go!? Is it over already?!"
Unless otherwise stated, the Ustreams run till midnight or so (EST). If the broadcast has cut off abruptly and I'm in midsentence, it can take me a minute to even realize I'm off air. I'm just that long winded. Once again, don't panic. Don't spam the chatroom. Just hit F5 to refresh your screen and wait for me to get my act together and get the broadcast restarted.
So now that you've struggled through this post, why not join me and the rest of us for the evening stream? Bring a friend! Bring several! And I hope to 'see' you there
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lartist-at-work - most every Friday evening beginning at 7pm EST till midnight-ish.
Later!