A few of us challenge old hands have been piloting running some online "Paint and Chat" sessions where we have audio, and visual contact direct from our painting desks. These are run via the "Google Hangouts" facility. We talk through a range of hobby related topics while wielding our brushes - times just flies.
These are co-ordinated either via the AHPC - Challengers Google+ page and via the AHPC Facebook page. Just stick a request in to join one or both groups and one of the old sweats will sort your membership out. The groups are closed and moderated. We publish on the community pages when someone is on (or plans to be) the chat link so people know and can jump on as well. These sites are also a place for further interaction and "banter".
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| Video chat screen shot. |
You can join the Google Hangout via a mobile or tablet device by installing the app.For a PC you will need to install the appropriate plug in. You need around a minimum 2.5-3Mb speed for your connection to work well - but it does run on less. The video chat can host up to 10 people at once. The system requirements can be found HERE
With a range of timezones around the world the video link is set up for 24/7 working to allow for different areas to use it - but you can of course drop in to any that are running.
So if you would like to "see and hear" from your fellow challengers - maybe even spy on their paint desk - yes that's yours we want to see Sir Michael. Ask those hints and tips questions , or simply just chew the fat , then pop along.
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| DaveD says hi! - you will find me on the chats regularly |
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| Yes the desk is full of preparation projects |
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| and of course more camels! |
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| And even more camels! Why do I detect the hand of Millsy in this picture!! |
We will "Paint Alone Together" - Why not give it a try if you are able.
Any other questions just let the crew know at "socialahpc@gmail.com"
Cheers Dave D
It is a nice idea, But as my computer and painting table are in different rooms That may be a problem, also as I have no wish to have a camera and/or mike that may be another problem.
ReplyDeleteSo I feel I will decline the offer, although I might act as a Voyeur (with your Permission) or rare occasions.
best of luck in this venture but as it stands not for me.
Cheers Clint. Thats fine. You would be welcome to view anytime
DeleteThanks for providing this Dave!
ReplyDeleteI fondly remember us chatting about this very thing over a pint at 'The Prince Rupert' in Newark this past spring. It's wonderful to see it come to fruition - my kudos to Dave an all those involved in getting it off the ground. As you say Dave, our hobby is often very solitary, so its great to have access to these venues to kibbitz and catch up with fellow hobbyists.
I usually paint in the buff so I'll try to remember to put something on before attending one of your upcoming online sessions. ;)
Mr Campbell... better make sure we limit you to audio only!
Deleteyes its been running well, and people seem to find it productive - so lets see
Very nice initiative.
ReplyDeleteShould think about it; but as I don't have a regular painting shcedule (someFriday evening and Saturday mornings, other weeks on Sunday afternoons) I don't know if I would possibly fit in one of the sessions.
There will be a range of times I am sure , so if it fits you are welcome to try
DeleteThis sounds like a lot of fun Dave. I work shift work so I have a very irregular schedule but at the same time I would love to interact visually with bloggers who I have been communicating with for some time but who I have never met.
ReplyDeleteSo yes I would love to be art of this initiative.
John
John if you join into one or both of the communities we can loop you in
DeleteThanks just put a request in through the Google + page.
DeleteJohn , access sorted
Deletegood to see you today John
DeleteAnd then I for the second time in my life I regret that I do not know the English language to understand what they are talking and talking to ...
ReplyDeleteit could be an education for us all . G+ access sorted
DeleteThat sounds awesome. What a pity I'm don't used to both G+ and FB =(
ReplyDeleteWe used to gather in our gaming club and to paint together for hours. Watching some historical films, talking and painting was so fun in a good company
Victor , maybe we will lfind a way
DeleteProbably, I'll use FB to join, but it's not my primary social network, so I get big issues with its interface and constant checking. If that's not a problem, I'll be glad to join one day to this nice "project"
DeleteI shall give this a go, once I pick the brush up!
ReplyDeletewe could talk about sandbags and everything Ray...
Deleteyou wil be more than welcome
Request sent for the google version - I'll try it this weekend (assuming you all let me in!)
ReplyDeleteapproved! ... until Millsy finds out..
Deletemaybe you can do a spreadsheet of chats attended versus productivity!
DeleteYou're going to regret that suggestion Dave. What do you think Miles will be talking about the whole time he's online???
DeleteNice hat BTW...
DeleteMillsy... the gift the keeps on giving,, love it
DeleteWhy did I know you could not resist!
What can I say? I'm an open book. I've never pretended otherwise.
Deletegood to see you today Miles..
DeleteI was amazed that I could get the tech to work! If I can do it anyone can.
DeleteWill we all be on the line when the Challenge commences?
and yes I will be sending out time cards for everyone to fill out so we can keep proper track of whose on and when. I think all of you would agree that's a very reasonable and fun thing to do.
DeleteI'd just like to say that having only joined the Google Hangout last week that this is a tremendously fun way to spend a couple of hours with fellow bloggers talking about minis whilst you paint. Discussing how others prepare/paint and game with their minis is terrific :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Blax , good to have you along regularly with your Sci Fi!
DeleteI've enjoyed dropping in on my lunch break Dave. I'll be by again.
ReplyDeletePeter
Look forward to seeing you again
DeleteSome of the Aussie boys sometimes do a chat on a Sunday arvo around 4 or 5pm AEDT (when we can get the tech to work!)
ReplyDeleteIs that when the electricity is working , or when they let you out of the cell?
DeleteIt is when Millsy is not working on the Franken-Millsy-Stein Monster he has in the garage!
DeleteI thought we all knew that!
Shhhh!
DeleteGreat idea! Shame I don't really have a webcam on my desk computer so taking part is a bit tricky. Might have to do some acquisitions
ReplyDeleteif you get one , then just pop in..
DeleteI have to say that I really enjoyed the session that I popped along to earlier in the year, raging hangover aside! The problem I have is that Awdry Towers, being as compact and bijou as it is, the Saintly Mrs. Awdry felt that she couldn't watch her beloved soaps whilst I nattered away about thickness of bristle and base.
ReplyDeleteAha such a shame Sir Micheal.. perhaps a headset would work?
Delete...for Michael or Mrs. Awdry? ;P
DeleteWell that's not a bad idea and certainly worth suggesting, but I might just have to encourage her to go and play more golf at the weekend!
DeleteI to may only be joining when my better half is out, I bought a lap painting desk this year so I can paint downstairs while she watches her TV.
DeleteOur Man in Omdurman?
ReplyDeleteas long as the internet is there it works anywhere!
DeleteCan this work over an iPhone, without the Google + account?
ReplyDeleteit does work on iphone you would need the google Hangout app
DeleteAre the camels and hats provided or do we have to bring our own?
ReplyDeleteMillsy can supply then in a range of designs apparantly...
DeleteThis is a fine idea. Curt (your humble host) a friend and I have used this technology to do long distance rpg gaming, and curt manages to paint spectaculary while batching critical roles. I am always amazed at how much painting gets done while enjoying a nice chat with old friends. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIs that batching or botching? ;) Yes, Google Hangout works quite nicely for pen-and-paper roleplaying (how dorky is that?). We also tried Roll20 and while it has many amazing features, we sometimes found it a bit buggy and slow. Might still be teething issues.
Delete