TED Conversations

Jon Lapre

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Who would be interested in having live webcam discussions on TED Videos?

I would like to know if anyone would be interested in participating in watching a TED video and create, discuss, and debate live over webcam/ google hangout/ skype. This also will create a place where TEDsters can meet other TEDsters.

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    Anubhab Das

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    Jan 15 2013: @Jon lapre Hey i am from india. I am ready for a chat. U knw, i find ur conversations, comments nd all vry inspiring .. i Like 'em immensely.. So plzz let me contact wid u anyhow... Let me mention i m 14.. luking forward fr ur reply eagerly..
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    Juliette Zahn 50+

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    Dec 22 2012: Nah.....it would ruin the enjoyment of having a bad hair day ;-) or a tooth brush in your mouth while you talk ;-) ;-)

  • greg dahlen 30+

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    Dec 20 2012: Just out of curiosity, Jon, when you say "watch a TED video," do you mean one single 18-minute video (isn't each TED talk about eighteen minutes long?) Although the eighteen-minute talks are good, I'm not sure they can inspire enough discussion to justify the effort of setting up the discussion. At the very least you'd probably have to watch two or three of them, perhaps two or three that relate to the same subject.

    As far as getting together, my only hesitation is that, judging by your picture you're about twenty-three, twenty-four, and I'm fifty-two. Thus we might lack some things in common. But if you think it could work, my number is 818.956.8269, or 818.247.6781. If you like, leave me your number here, or email it via my profile.
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      Jon Lapre

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      Dec 20 2012: Well depending on the video or series of videos my thought is that some individuals may need more time to digest the videos so having an agenda of which videos will be viewed can assist others creating their own thoughts and opinions before everyone goes live. When everyone is ready and we go "live" the group can show the videos to the watching audience and after the videos there will be a discussion.

      Another thought for the agenda portion is that watching the videos prior to going live may give the opportunity of creating topics and key points before everyone goes live. On the other hand it takes away from seeing the videos the first time. I would think if this were to come to pass then a moderator would be needed to keep the group on track and focused on topic just in case if the conversation spirals out of control or way off topic.
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      Jon Lapre

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      Dec 20 2012: BTW I am 27 but thank you for thinking that I am younger. Trying to keep my youthful looking self hahaha.
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    Jacqueline d'Etienne

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    Dec 20 2012: I think this would be a lovely idea if the "live" chat groups were restricted to 3-4 people at a time. More than that and I think it would become kind of overwhelming and difficult for everyone to adequately express their ideas and process the ideas being shared by others.
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    Ghina Zand Alhadid

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    Dec 19 2012: Personally speaking, I would rather take my time typing my answers than real time conversations.

  • greg dahlen 30+

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    Dec 19 2012: Probably not, because that would have to be a scheduled event, and I like the unscheduled nature of TED, where I can just go on whenever I feel like it.

    By the way, I live in Glendale, too, across the street from Whole Foods.
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      Jon Lapre

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      Dec 19 2012: I understand the difficulties of scheduling such a meeting and I agree it would sole depend on everyone's schedule that would participate.

      Maybe one day we could get coffee or tea at a coffee shop and maybe you could discuss with me about your interest in noise pollution.
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    Xavier Belvemont 30+

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    Dec 19 2012: The main issue is this.. How do you video-conference and debate with 1400 people?
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    Lejan . 30+

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    TED Translator
    Dec 18 2012: What is wrong with written words?
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      Jon Lapre

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      Dec 18 2012: Absolutely nothing. I believe that creating a forum where people can discuss TED videos live would be an interesting way for other TEDsters to connect with other TEDsters and start sharing thoughts about the TED videos.
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        Lejan . 30+

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        TED Translator
        Dec 18 2012: This is what I understand from the headline of your idea, yet I do not understand why a live video conversation would be 'an interesting way' to share thoughts about TED videos, as it somewhat implies, that a written conversation does not have this 'interest factor', which at the moment I do not see at all.

        There are other advantages in writing too, as a written word usually takes more 'thought' than a spoken one, which, by the given intellectual level of TED talks, is not a bad thing to have and to avoid 'chatting'.

        Another advantage in text is given to most non native English speakers, as it allows the time to check spelling and grammar in more detail.

        But TED seems to optimize their user experience at the moment, so if you have not done it already, your idea may give them some useful input.

        The fact that I would not use a live video option, does not degrade your wish to have one.
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          Jon Lapre

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          Dec 18 2012: I see that you are set in the ways of the written word but the difference is it is faster to watch a video then read a forum full of posts.

          Providing a discussion or ideas that are generated after watching a TED video would be fun and interesting AND if it is streamed live you can have an audience participate with you live. Some benefits of having live discussions is that as the audience can ask their own questions while hearing others discuss their thoughts and feelings towards the videos.

          I see that your TED story is that you "stumbled across it." When you did stumble across it? What was it like for the first time seeing amazing ideas actually put forth into reality. Have you shared a TED video and if so what kind of feedback did you get from it? Did you discuss it with a friend or family member? Did it have any significant affect on either you or the person that you shared it with?

          Have you "streamed" video across the internet before?

          The whole mantra of TED is "Ideas worth spreading" I am finding another ways to spread those ideas and others that would be interested in participating.
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        Lejan . 30+

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        TED Translator
        Dec 19 2012: The best and most valuable discussions I've ever had was with one, maximum two people at a time, which may explain why I have no need for any sort of swarm-communication.

        In opposite to TED talk videos, in which the speaker is following a more or less structured form to present his(her ideas, which was edited before and with time at hand, a live video conversation is echoing mainly first thoughts and direct emotional responses, which, to be honest, is not really of my interest, especially from people I don't even know. But this is just personal experience and preference, not more.

        I stumbled across TED some years ago and my first impression was to think, why on earth it happens so rarely to find those people who do exist in real life conditions... So I felt intellectually at home and challenged at times, and this is what I was looking for and still am.

        I belong to a generation which entered their professional life right at the time where email became the main medium of communication, so I am used to type my thoughts onto a keyboard. And because I do not type with all of my fingers, my neurons have enough time to deliver also a second and third, sometimes even a fourth thought on something, especially when a single letter disappear again and untraceable off my keypad... :o)

        So far I have not streamed any self-made video content publicly on the Internet, as there is nothing I would like to share in pictures to an unknown audience. As a tool and on the job, video conferencing became obligatory and not my favorite way of communication.

        I would watch some of your video conversations to see, how different groups of different people interact, what they exchange and how a conversation develops freely and without moderation. A experiment worth trying, as I have just doubts no knowledge what it may become and if it was use- or helpful at the end.
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          Jon Lapre

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          Dec 19 2012: I appreciate your honesty and understand where your coming from. I guess we will have to see what comes of this idea.
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        Lejan . 30+

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        TED Translator
        Dec 19 2012: If TED goes with your idea - so be inspirational! - just make sure to allow 'invisible visitors' to your discussions, as otherwise I will never know if I was mistaken... :o)
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