It seems Skype are innovating with what promises to be a means to starting / participating in focused 
events on any topic you can dream up.
The service facilitates upto 100 participants joining a conversation on a given subject. Theoretically that sounds wonderful, but how on earth could you facilitate anything over five people. Well, it seems they've thought of that as well. Like ageing hippies who 'pass the talking stick', the moderator gets to do the same with a 'virtual microphone'.
Similar to podcasts, you can search a directory, find an event that interests you, and join it at whatever the start time happens to be.
This development looks very exciting. I really like the idea of rapidly convening an event online, with genuinely engaged people. After all, most are unlikely to take part unless it really interests them.
Only one minor downside it would seem. That is, you'll need to download the latest version of Skype to participate in the conversation. (Just found out this isn't actually the case). I wonder if you can record the conversation online too? That way, it'd be possible to create an event podcast, simply using content discussed online. Now, onto try it.
In theory, this could be revolutionary. It's always been straightforward to find participants online for asynchronous communication. Voice, coupled with ease of organisation, opens up a new paradigm for hosting fascinating events!
Focused Flashmobbing Online?
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