Attendant for Zoom

[dove]

There are also always new ones that either weren’t there last year or didn’t hear it before 

[JkentBZ]

1 hour ago, Qapla said:

We have a splash screen that is displayed 2 minutes before the meeting starts. On that screen is the instructions to put the number in attendance after your name. There is also a verbal reminder by the Chairman or the Brother who is the attendant (at the tow minute warning).

 

The attendant simply uses the participant window to get the count.

 

Since we are also streaming to KHConf - and KHConf has a feature for the count - that count is added to the meeting and we have been fairly accurate since early on.

 

These are all great practices.  But we don't "make" anyone do anything.  One of the reasons many inactive ones are attending meetings on Zoom is because of the ability to join without pressure, we have been instructed that we don't need to have their name or count in order to join our meetings.  It has been a very loving provision.  My brother (fleshly) had been inactive for more than 25 years and struggled to step back into a KH for fear of being judged, since I first invited him to hear me give a public talk on Zoom he and his wife have been at almost every Sunday meeting but right now they are attending without name and video.  But Jehovah is happy to have them like that for now.

[Qapla]

I never said we "make" them do anything ... however, just like it is proper etiquette to mute yourself (or at least no talk on the open Zoom) during the meeting, asking them for their name or count is no different - unless you are advocating that it is OK for people to talk over the speaker during the PT so we don't "make" them mute or be quiet  

 

[Hope]

36 minutes ago, JkentBZ said:

We've been doing this for ONLY one year may be a better way to state this.  We have been having conventions for decades yet every year we have to over the "convention reminders".  I always thought WHY?  It's the same as last year, right!?  But we are all just imperfect volunteers trying to our best for Jehovah.  1 year seems like a ong timme but for older ones or those that are not techy that 1 year is a small amount of time.  

 

That's the point, though - we *do* have specific instructions/reminders every year.  We don't get to make it up if we'd rather do something more convenient for ourselves.

 

I'm on Zoom every single day, usually more than once per day.  So for myself, I admit I'm nearly a pro at it.... it's still pretty simple, though.  But I also help my mother who is 86 years old and EXTREMELY impatient with herself, with technology, you name it.. and doesn't see or hear incredibly well.  The only way she's been able to really enjoy this Zoom experience and participate with confidence is because I told her *exactly* what to do and how to do it.  If she did what was most comfy, she wouldn't get anything out of her meetings but frustration.    I've found that the more information and instruction people have, the easier it is for them to stop fretting over it and just do it.  Knowledge really is power.   

[JkentBZ]

13 minutes ago, Qapla said:

I never said we "make" them do anything ... however, just like it is proper etiquette to mute yourself (or at least no talk on the open Zoom) during the meeting, asking them for their name or count is no different - unless you are advocating that it is OK for people to talk over the speaker during the PT so we don't "make" them mute or be quiet  

 

Certainly I wouldn't advocate talking over the speaker just as we wouldn't at the Kingdom Hall. But also as at the Kingdom Hall if a visitor were to arrive we would not insist that they give us their name to attend the meeting. The attendants would watch them to make sure they were not causing a disturbance and the same is true on Zoom. If someone joins without a name we allow them to join, no pressure. The attendant has instructions to watch for disturbances, mute, turn off video, even remove if necessary so that others will not be distracted during the meeting. 

[JkentBZ]

1 minute ago, Hope said:

That's the point, though - we *do* have specific instructions/reminders every year.  We don't get to make it up if we'd rather do something more convenient for ourselves.

 

I'm on Zoom every single day, usually more than once per day.  So for myself, I admit I'm nearly a pro at it.... it's still pretty simple, though.  But I also help my mother who is 86 years old and EXTREMELY impatient with herself, with technology, you name it.. and doesn't see or hear incredibly well.  The only way she's been able to really enjoy this Zoom experience and participate with confidence is because I told her *exactly* what to do and how to do it.  If she did what was most comfy, she wouldn't get anything out of her meetings but frustration.    I've found that the more information and instruction people have, the easier it is for them to stop fretting over it and just do it.  Knowledge really is power.   

That's awesome that you help your mother to get the most out of her Meetings. 

 

We did training for the friends by service groups when we first started and as we see that some are having a hard time we work independently with them. 

But we still have a good laugh when the WT conductor (an It professional by trade) forgets to unmute himself. 

It's just a reminder that we are all imperfect and all fall short. 

Even errors happen when we are meeting in person. JW library crashes right as meeting starts, power outage on a 105 degree day. I once accidentally muted the opening prayer at the Convention a few years ago. 

 

[LRJW]

16 hours ago, Hope said:

. . . . . I mean - at my mother's congregation, they only started reading the WT lesson at their meetings about four months ago.  Up til that time, they decided they didn't need to do that and just buzzed on thru like we do when we have the CO visit. . . . .

I'm sorry, but this is literally insane. Wow. 

 

14 hours ago, JkentBZ said:

Certainly I wouldn't advocate talking over the speaker just as we wouldn't at the Kingdom Hall. But also as at the Kingdom Hall if a visitor were to arrive we would not insist that they give us their name to attend the meeting. The attendants would watch them to make sure they were not causing a disturbance and the same is true on Zoom. If someone joins without a name we allow them to join, no pressure. The attendant has instructions to watch for disturbances, mute, turn off video, even remove if necessary so that others will not be distracted during the meeting. 

This is a good point.  There are a few Bible students and a disfellowshipped person who attend our meetings (with their mic and video off) and have generic names like "iPhone" or "Galaxy", and we never try to message them or ask them over the open mic who they are. 

 

We merely ask around with the pioneers and other elders, and usually we figure out who it is and count accordingly.  

 

Another useful provision is the meeting reports on the Zoom website.  If anyone logged in via telephone or their own zoom account, either their full number or email address will show up next to their screen name. That makes it a lot easier to ask the pioneers and elders, and anyone else we think might know who it was.  

[Qapla]

There is a difference in "asking" someone for their name and "insisting/making" them give their name.

 

At the KH "if a visitor were to arrive" we would most likely greet them, giving our name and extending a hand to shake ... this action usually comes with the "expectation" that they will give their name. Do we deny them access if they fail to give their name ... of course not.

 

The same holds true of our virtual meetings. There is no reason we cannot ask their name. Do we kick them out if they do not give it - No. However, asking for names to be listed is no different than greeting people by name at the KH door.

 

 

 

Edited April 13, 2021 by Qapla

[JkentBZ]

3 minutes ago, Qapla said:

There is a difference in "asking" someone for their name and "insisting/making" them give their name.

 

At the KH "if a visitor were to arrive" we would most likely greet them, giving our name and extending a hand to shake ... this action usually comes with the "expectation" that they will give their name. Do we deny them access if they fail to give their name ... of course not.

 

The same holds true of our virtual meetings. There is no reason we cannot ask their name. Do we kick them out if they do not give it - No. However, asking for names to be listed is no different than greeting people by name at the KH door.

 

 

 

I hate to argue with you my brother but this is what you posted on Feb 21;  

"We don't have a rule you must change your name. If you enter with the name of your device showing and the attendant knows how you are, he will change it for you. If you enter and are not recognized and refuse to give your name - you will be dropped ... but you not have to change your name - you can simply not come back."

 

This seems to me that you are requiring that they identify themselves or will be booted from the meetings and not allowed to come back.  A pretty stiff penalty for not following a "non-rule" about giving your name.

[WilliamChew]

I thought the  reason why we had to identify attendees was because of zoom bombing. (people who jointed and disrupted the zoom session by displaying inappropriate images)

 

Because of zoom bombing it was mandated have a password and also to login to a holding room and be identified either by session name or visually before being allowed entry into the zoom meeting.

 

Is zoom bombing no more considered a threat to a zoom meeting ?

 

 

[LRJW]

6 minutes ago, WilliamChew said:

I thought the  reason why we had to identify attendees was because of zoom bombing. (people who jointed and disrupted the zoom session by displaying inappropriate images)

 

Because of zoom bombing it was mandated have a password and also to login to a holding room and be identified either by session name or visually before being allowed entry into the zoom meeting.

 

Is zoom bombing no more considered a threat to a zoom meeting ?

 

 

I would say the threat of zoom bombing is less a threat than on worldly meetings, simply because we are very selective in who we give our password to.  

 

Now, could a conniving family member of a Bible student hate JW's and plan an obscene gesture after stealing the password from the student?  Yes.  But how likely is that?  

 

Nothing is 100% secure, however, in Satan's disgusting world.    I can't wait til he's dead.  

[JkentBZ]

3 minutes ago, WilliamChew said:

I thought the  reason why we had to identify attendees was because of zoom bombing. (people who jointed and disrupted the zoom session by displaying inappropriate images)

 

Because of zoom bombing it was mandated have a password and also to login to a holding room and be identified either by session name or visually before being allowed entry into the zoom meeting.

 

Is zoom bombing no more considered a threat to a zoom meeting ?

 

 

Zoom bombing is still a threat same as having a disruptive visitor at a Kingdom Hall is a threat.

 

The organization has given instructions on how to limit the chances of this.

1.  All Zoom meetings require a passcode (Zoom did that for us)

2.  We are instructed to not post the Zoom info on public forums or on signs at the KH.  But publishers are allowed to invite interested ones to attend

3.  The attendants primary job during the meeting is to watch for disruptions and remove people if necessary.  *It is much easier and faster to remove a disruptive individual from Zoom than to physically remove them from Kingdom Hall*  It only takes about 5 seconds to remove a Zoom Bomber from the meeting.

 

 

[Qapla]

Evidently you/your congregation has never had anyone join solely to cause disruptions - we have ... thus the "rule".

 

However, the "rule" is not stated on the splash screen and is not "hard and fast".

 

At the same time, going back to your example, if someone came to the KH and you greeted them and they responded with "I never give my name, just step aside" would you feel comfortable letting them in? Perhaps thinking, "It will be easier to escort them out then not admitting them"

 

So, yes, we can allow ones in who do not change their names. However, even with fast reactions if someone were to start yelling profanities from an unmuted mic what they say cannot be unheard no matter how fast be boot them from the Zoom meeting.

 

So, while admittance is not rigidly denied for someone who does not change their name it does not stop us from asking them what their name is and, depending on their response, either admit them or not ... we do use a waiting room.

 

There is a difference in "refusing to give your name" and simply asking not to have your name posted in public.

Edited April 13, 2021 by Qapla

[dove]

😑

2 hours ago, Qapla said:

 

 

There is a difference in "refusing to give your name" and simply asking not to have your name posted in public.

Can you do that...I would do that...I don't like my name showing...just call me an introvert😑

Edited April 13, 2021 by Dove

[dove]

4 hours ago, JkentBZ said:

I hate to argue with you my brother but this is what you posted on Feb 21;  

"We don't have a rule you must change your name. If you enter with the name of your device showing and the attendant knows how you are, he will change it for you. If you enter and are not recognized and refuse to give your name - you will be dropped ... but you not have to change your name - you can simply not come back."

 

This seems to me that you are requiring that they identify themselves or will be booted from the meetings and not allowed to come back.  A pretty stiff penalty for not following a "non-rule" about giving your name.

When I joined just using my initials after while, they changed them to my full name...but almost every meeting I see ones who just sign in with iPhone or iPad or some non-personal signature...

[Tortuga]

1 minute ago, Dove said:

When I joined just using my initials after while, they changed them to my full name...but almost every meeting I see ones who just sign in with iPhone or iPad or some non-personal signature...

We have a few in our congregation that are still challenged by Zoom and do not know how to logon using a name. The elders maintain a list of  the device names and who they belong to, and allow them to enter the meeting, where the host will rename them. Its tedious but it's the only workable solution so far.

[dove]

I know how to enter my name when I enter the code and password; I just wondered if you could sign in and have the host turn off your name like you turn off video once you are connected 

[Hope]

8 minutes ago, Dove said:

I know how to enter my name when I enter the code and password; I just wondered if you could sign in and have the host turn off your name like you turn off video once you are connected 

But why would you not want the friends to know you were there?  It's like going to the Hall and immediately going to sit in the bathroom where no one can see you...  

Edited April 13, 2021 by Hope

[dove]

I sat in the very back row close to the wall because that’s where I felt the most comfortable.  I sat in my car many times until the meeting was about to start for the same reason. 

[Hope]

1 minute ago, Dove said:

I sat in the very back row close to the wall because that’s where I felt the most comfortable.  I sat in my car many times until the meeting was about to start for the same reason. 

Well - you should know that every face and/or name we can see on our screens helps to incite love and fine works, Sandra.  It's a gift you're giving your congregation... please don't try to take it back.. ❤️ 

[dove]

That may be true but no one acknowledges  that I’m there anyway, only those on video are greeted so I’m not  sure that makes a difference. 
it has to be acknowledged that I have been attending the meetings and participating in service even as a pioneer and supporting the ministry school, etc while raising six children through good times and bad for nearly six decades. 
I’m sure that must be some encouragement to the congregation whether they see my name on the screen or not. They know I’m always there. 

I know I have a social problem that I dealt with most of the time because I had no choice but to do the things I had to do. Now I’m old and it’s gotten worse; but I have more freedom now to be myself and not someone I’m not or someone everyone else thinks I should be 
 

That’s only one reason I love this forum; because I can participate without being the focus of attention 🙂

Edited April 13, 2021 by Dove

[Qapla]

Have you tried asking the BOE to leave your initials instead of your name? If not, they may not be aware that you would rather it be this way.

[dove]

It's gone back and forth a few times where we both seceded, but after they did the last time, I decided to just do what they thought was best. I know it's not always those that know me working behind the scene; they are training new brothers since Zoom to do the hosting and co-hosting and they need to know who I am on the list without having to ask someone. I know it's a lot of work for them and seemed unimportant to me in comparison ..

[daydream]

4 hours ago, Dove said:

I sat in the very back row close to the wall because that’s where I felt the most comfortable.  I sat in my car many times until the meeting was about to start for the same reason. 

Thanks for sharing your problem. I too am like that. Sometimes I wish I was a turtle so that I can slink back into my shell like when I'm immobile or doing something necessary like eating. 🙂I think I prefer eating inside my shell too.

I had this phobia when zoom sessions were first introduced. At first I just switched on my video when I was commenting. My extroverted CBOE was always reminding us to show our faces. So I made that consession. The trouble is I have always used pinhole spec. when I'm reading or for long distance views. So this single sister (unusually kind person but very busy graduate teacher) decided to send me a screen shot of me with my pinhole spectacles. Of course she was too busy to ask about that particular eye wear or even talk to me, even pre-covid.

I went ballistic when I received the pic and complained bitterly to long suffering CBOE.  I felt the least Ms Insensitive should have done is  make some small talk with me first, like asking what kind of spec I was using rather than point blank show the unflattering pic) with the caption "This is what you look like on zoom. And THIS, after not even having said a single personal word to me all these while during this lockdown (and even be4). 

Sorry for this long tirade. But I thought it may explain why I didn't join any zoom sessions with the brothers here (international assemblies gala shows) because I don't turn on my video. 

I also have a bad habit of hijacking other people's thread to sneak in my own personal weaknesses because I can't stand being the center of attention. I know a few who may have been irritated by my lack of courtesy. My apologies. Weirdo here. 

So thanks Sister Sandra for being such a gem to highlight these inadequacies that some of us have.

 

Edited April 14, 2021 by Mclove

[Tortuga]

Did someone say Turtle...? 😁