hr@avacon.org<\/a>\u00a0if you should have access but don’t! \u00a0To access the Google Docs folder, you will need to be logged into the email address associated with your access.<\/p>\nGreeters<\/h1>\n
Greeters are primarily responsible for welcoming conference attendees to whatever region they are assigned to and helping the audience with basic questions such as viewer technical support, wayfinding, and helping people figure out where they are supposed to go or be. \u00a0Greeters can also monitor local chat in the area to make sure anyone who needs help is being assisted and to ensure no one is being disruptive or causing problems for other attendees.<\/p>\n
One of the most important factors for the successful performance of the grid server is how quickly we can get attendees of a session to sit down. \u00a0A sitting avatar greatly reduces the load on the simulator, whereas a standing, walking, or flying avatar is sending constant position information that the simulator has to update. \u00a0Greeters will play a crucial function in the overall success of the conference by encouraging people to sit as soon as they arrive<\/strong>, and reminding people not to stand or fly until the session is over.<\/p>\nModerators<\/h1>\n
Moderators are primarily responsible for welcoming conference speakers to whatever region they are assigned to and making sure the speaker has everything they need to give a successful presentation. \u00a0Moderators introduce the speaker at the start of each breakout session in voice via Skype, and keep an eye on the clock to remind the speaker when they have 5 minutes left of their session, and then close out the session by thanking the speaker. \u00a0It is very important that each breakout session ends on time so that the next breakout session doesn\u2019t start late!<\/strong><\/p>\nModerators can also help monitor local chat to look for questions for the speaker if they feel comfortable doing so and watch the UStream channel embedded chat to relay questions from the web audience to the speaker. \u00a0\u00a0Although there is no such thing as a \u201cdumb\u201d question, moderators should use good judgement to ask the speaker the most relevant questions or the most frequently asked questions, since time is often limited and only a few questions can be addressed.<\/p>\n
Sample Moderator Timeline for a PANEL\u00a0SESSION<\/strong><\/h2>\n8:45AM<\/strong>
\nTeleport to the region where the presentation will take place. \u00a0If the region is full and you can\u2019t get in, alert conference admins using the Skype Volunteer channel.<\/p>\n8:50ish AM<\/strong>
\nThe Streaming Team will pull you and the speaker(s) into a chat or call on Skype. They may do a quick test call to check your connection and audio levels. \u00a0Simultaneously, you need to make your way to the stage and stand\/sit on the black podium stage right, while the speaker goes to the stage in-world and sits in the center podium to load their slides.<\/p>\n8:55AM<\/strong>
\nYou, the speaker(s), and the streaming team will all be in the same Skype channel and the call will start shortly before the presentation begins. \u00a0This is a good time to check with the speaker and ask how they want to handle Q&A for their session. \u00a0If you do NOT feel comfortable handling questions, let the speaker know that.<\/p>\n9:00AM<\/strong>
\nThe Streaming Team will let you know when the stream is live, begin the session by using the script below!<\/p>\n9:30AM<\/strong>
\nIM the speaker to remind them there are 15 minutes remaining in the presentation. \u00a0If they haven\u2019t taken questions yet, should probably start.<\/p>\n9:40AM<\/strong>
\nIM the speaker to remind them to start wrapping up..<\/p>\n9:43AM<\/strong>
\nClose the session using the script below. \u00a0ON TIME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. If you have to \u201cinterrupt\u201d the speaker to end the session, be polite but firm. \u00a0Every minute your session runs late puts the next session behind schedule.<\/p>\n9:45AM<\/strong>
\nThe Skype call is ended. \u00a0You and the presenter(s) leave the stage. \u00a0Congrats!<\/p>\nSample Moderator Introduction Script<\/strong><\/h2>\n[Note: \u00a0You will be provided with a script for each session your moderate before the conference<\/strong>.]<\/p>\nHello everyone, and welcome to the <TIME> breakout session of the OpenSimulator Community Conference 2016!<\/p>\n
As a reminder to our in-world and web audiences, you can view the full conference schedule on our website at conference.opensimulator.org, and you can post your questions in local chat, on the UStream chat, or tweet your comments using the hashtag OSCC16.<\/p>\n
Single Presenters
\n<\/strong>This hour, we are happy to introduce <SPEAKER\u2019S FIRST AND LAST AVATAR NAME>, who will be presenting <SESSION TITLE>. \u00a0<READ SPEAKER BIO (or abbreviated version of it if it\u2019s very lengthy)>.<\/p>\nWelcome, <SPEAKER\u2019S FIRST AVATAR NAME>!<\/p>\n
[Speaker takes over talking.]<\/p>\n
Panel Presentation
\n<\/strong>This hour, we are happy to introduce a terrific panel on <SESSION TITLE>. \u00a0Our panelists include <PANELISTS FIRST AND LAST AVATAR NAMES>. \u00a0<READ EACH PANELIST\u2019S BIO (or abbreviated version of it if it\u2019s very lengthy)>.<\/p>\nWelcome, all, let\u2019s begin the panel!<\/p>\n
[Panelists take over talking.]<\/p>\n
Sample Moderator Closing Script<\/strong><\/h2>\nSingle Presenters<\/strong>
\nThank you <SPEAKER\u2019S FIRST NAME>, for a terrific presentation! \u00a0As a reminder to our audience, you can see what\u2019s coming up on the conference schedule at conference.opensimulator.org. \u00a0In this room, the next session will be <NEXT SESSION TITLE> with <NEXT SESSION SPEAKER(S) NAMES>.<\/p>\nThank you again to our speaker and the audience, we\u2019ll be back shortly with the next session!<\/p>\n
Panel Presentation
\n<\/strong>Thank you to our panel for a terrific presentation! \u00a0As a reminder to our audience, you can see what\u2019s coming up on the conference schedule at conference.opensimulator.org. \u00a0In this room, the next session will be <NEXT SESSION TITLE> with <NEXT SESSION SPEAKER(S) NAMES>.<\/p>\nThank you again to our speaker(s) and the audience, we\u2019ll be back shortly with the next session!<\/p>\n
Escalating Problems and When to Skype<\/h1>\n
Sine Whatever\u00a0is the Team Lead for Greeters and Moderators (Sine is pronounced SHEE-na). \u00a0If you\u2019re experiencing a problem or need help, you should contact Sine\u00a0first if possible to see if she can help you resolve the issue.<\/p>\n
If the situation is an emergency, for example a region is crashing, or you have a serious griefing problem, or if for some reason you can\u2019t reach Sine\u00a0in world, then you should use the Skype Volunteer group chat to alert one of the conference admins. \u00a0\u00a0We can use the Skype Volunteer group for non-emergencies too, but just keep in mind that the admins are going to be very very busy and it will be helpful for us if the Skype channel is only used when it\u2019s really necessary. \u00a0For more informal communication between staff, chatting and general information sharing, use the OSCC16 Staff group chat in-world. \u00a0That way if we (admins) have time to scan the group channel in world we will, and we\u2019ll know if something is blinking on Skype that it needs our urgent attention.<\/p>\n
Dealing with Unexpected Crashes & Difficult People<\/h1>\n
Please remember that no matter what happens, the situation will not be better if you panic!<\/strong> \u00a0Keep your cool and the show will go on, one way or the other. \u00a0Also remember that you are representing the conference in your capacity as a staff member and volunteer, so no matter what, your conduct must be professional and courteous at all times.<\/p>\nIf the region you are in crashes, or even if the entire grid goes down<\/strong>, know that the admins will be working as quickly as possible to bring everything back online. \u00a0The Skype Volunteer group channel will become our primary communication channel if the entire grid goes down, so check there for information first, and then log back in as soon as you can to help redirect people to where they need to go.<\/p>\nIf you find yourself dealing with a difficult person<\/strong>, again, remember to keep your composure and remain calm, professional, and courteous even if the other person is not. \u00a0Depending on the severity of the disturbance, you can first try to resolve the issue yourself if you think that\u2019s possible, preferably in Instant Message instead of Local Chat if the person is being disruptive.<\/p>\nTry to be patient, and always err on the side of assuming the other person isn\u2019t intending to be disruptive<\/strong> – we have attendees from all over the world, there may be language barriers, and some people are very new to virtual worlds or OpenSimulator and may not understand what they are supposed to do.<\/p>\nIf all attempts at reasonable communication seem to be failing, then follow these steps:<\/p>\n
1. \u00a0Alert Sine Whatever\u00a0as soon as you realize you might have a problem. \u00a0She may need a moment to respond to your request, so don\u2019t wait until it\u2019s already a disaster to contact her.<\/p>\n
2. \u00a0Be specific but kind in your instructions to the disruptive person. \u00a0\u00a0For example, \u201cI understand you\u2019re having difficulty, but your chat is disrupting the session. \u00a0Please look at my Instant Message so we can help you resolve the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. \u00a0Alert conference admins on Skype if the situation is clearly griefing. \u00a0If someone is clearly intent on disrupting the event, we need to know sooner rather than later so we can remove them from the situation.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s pretty much the general outline of what greeters, moderators, and staff are responsible for during the conference. Thank you again for volunteering to help with the event, please know the show could not go on without you and we are tremendously grateful for your help!<\/p>\n
Greeters & Moderators FAQ<\/h1>\n
Q: \u00a0Will Greeters & Moderators have a uniform? \u00a0Is it required?
\n<\/strong>A: \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>A conference shirt will be provided to you so that attendees can easily visually identify conference staff. \u00a0You should wear your conference shirt whenever you are “on duty” but if you wish to wear something else when not scheduled to work, that’s ok too.<\/p>\nQ: Do I have to use Skype?
\nA: \u00a0<\/b>All volunteers must have a Skype account so we can communicate with you in the event of technical difficulties with the conference grid. \u00a0If you don’t already have an account, please download and install Skype, create an account, and add\u00a0“AvaConInc” as a contact so you can be added to the OSCC16 Volunteer Skype channel.<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0I’m a Moderator,\u00a0how will I be added to the Skype call to introduce my speaker?
\nA:\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/strong>At least 10 minutes prior to the start of your session, a member of the Streaming Team will “pull you into” a Skype group with your speaker or panelists. \u00a0They will take care of adding you to the call, you don’t have to do anything except pay attention to the Skype window before your session begins.<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0Do I need to have the Moderator or Greeter group role tag visible in the OSCC Staff group?
\nA: \u00a0<\/strong>Yes! \u00a0You will be assigned to the appropriate group roles based on the final schedule, and you can change your group tag role by going to Communicate > Groups > OSCC Staff > Info > Select your active role in the lower right corner.<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0Do I need a local account or is it ok to use my HyperGrid account?
\n<\/strong>A: \u00a0<\/strong>Based on our experience, we recommend a local account for conference staff, however, a HyperGrid account\u00a0should<\/em> work ok in theory. \u00a0If you originally requested an HG account but now want a local account, email chris.collins@avacon.org and include your avatar name and starter avatar preference (Office Male\/Female, Cyberpunk Male\/Female, or Hippo Avatar).<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0I signed up to volunteer, but I don’t have an account yet, what do I do?
\nA: \u00a0<\/strong>You must have registered for the conference on Eventbrite to be given an account. \u00a0If you registered but don’t have an account yet, please email chris.collins@avacon.org to check the account status.<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0Will we be using in-world voice for the presentations?
\n<\/strong>A: \u00a0<\/strong>NO. \u00a0In-world voice will be completely disabled on all presentation regions. \u00a0All audio for the presentations will be streamed from Skype into the parcel media settings in-world.<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0I’m a moderator, how do I handle audience questions?
\n<\/strong>A: <\/strong>\u00a0This depends on the preference of the speaker. \u00a0When you are pulled into the Skype chat with the speaker, you can ask them how they want to handle audience Q&A. \u00a0Some speakers prefer to take questions any time, some speakers prefer to wait till the end. \u00a0Some speakers would like you to take incoming questions to pass to them, some speakers would prefer to take the questions themselves. \u00a0If you feel comfortable helping<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>you can scan the text chat for questions in-world and on the UStream channel chat and help pass those on to the speaker. \u00a0If you feel overwhelmed,\u00a0<\/strong> tell the speaker in advance that they should let the audience know how to communicate questions to them. \u00a0No moderator should feel too stressed out about the “questions” question, it usually sorts itself out fairly naturally and at the end of the day, it’s the speaker’s responsibility to establish how they want to handle questions with the audience, not yours.<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0I’m a moderator, when I’m introducing a speaker, do I use their avatar name or their real life name?
\n<\/strong>A: \u00a0<\/strong>Use the name listed on the online schedule for their session, and then when you read their bio introduction if they have chosen to disclose their real life identity you can read what’s there. \u00a0Some speakers have chosen to keep their real identity private and their bios will only use their avatar names.<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0How much time is there between sessions?
\n<\/strong>A: \u00a0<\/strong>There will be a 30 minute break between keynote sessions and breakout sessions, and a\u00a015 minute break between breakout sessions, so please make sure sessions start and end on time as much as possible!<\/p>\nQ: \u00a0I’m a moderator, how much time should a speaker leave for Q&A? \u00a0Is there a minimum?
\n<\/strong>A: \u00a0<\/strong>No, there is no required Q&A time, this is entirely up to the speaker and what they prefer. \u00a0Your only job is to make sure they start wrapping up in the last 5 minutes or so of the session so you can deliver the closing script and end the session on time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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Greeters & Moderators Prep Page Thank you for volunteering to help with the OpenSimulator Community Conference! \u00a0This page contains information for Greeters & Moderators to prepare for the conference. Quick Reference Links Volunteer Google Docs Greeter & Moderator Schedule Speaker Prep Page Note that only approved volunteers will have access to the Google Docs. \u00a0Email […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":41,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/991"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=991"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2373,"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/991\/revisions\/2373"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/conference.opensimulator.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}