Communication at PAX 2012

[Ghostbear]

While we'll all be pretty busy during the show, it's good to go out and do other things with the group. Last year we used Beluga Pods as a group messaging tool, since it no longer exists, that is no longer an option. If anyone has an alternative we can try that. If not, I can setup a google document with a list of numbers. Also, if you're a twitter user the #cogpax hashtag is a useful tool. Our numbers may be smaller this year, but there is no reason for us not to get together and have a great time.

Ok, looks like Hap and I have setup a group in GroupMe. Send me a PM with your phone number and we'll get you added to the group.

[Ghostbear]

So lesson learned, if you don't have the app installed yet, it blasts your phone with texts, heh. So uhh install the app.

[hunterx280]

So glad I bumped up my SMS to unlimited the other day...

[civil_dead]

Won't be at PAX, but thought I'd recommend WhatsApp.

I was introduced to it by my European friends, and we're communicating--for free--across oceans. You can do groups, individuals, etc. It works over wi-fi and data networks.

My tuppence, sounds like you've already got something worked out. Still recommend the app for overall use.

[torrefaction]

Could always use Google+. It has group chat, videos, etc. Wish I was going =\

[Ghostbear]

GroupMe looks to be what we want, something that alerts groups of people. It messages their phones via app or sms. Also google plus is still around?

[wyeast]

I would expect any sort of streaming chat would die a horrible flaming death given how utterly swamped cell coverage is in the vicinity of PAX. Too damn many nerds in one place. SMS or notification-based seems to work best as it'll keep trying till it gets through. Just have to cope w/ the obvious delays and whatnot.

Might have to take it old school and bring some walkie talkies.

[iHap]

With GroupMe you can enable SMS messages within the App if Data becomes swamped. Last year though AT&T's service wasn't that bad. I could receive data at a slower speed of course, but still good 3G.

[Scull]

Originally Posted by wyeast

I would expect any sort of streaming chat would die a horrible flaming death given how utterly swamped cell coverage is in the vicinity of PAX. Too damn many nerds in one place. SMS or notification-based seems to work best as it'll keep trying till it gets through. Just have to cope w/ the obvious delays and whatnot.

Might have to take it old school and bring some walkie talkies.

Please don't bring walkie talkies to PAX. The staff use them for a variety of communications, and the more noise there is the less useful they become. You could always be on your own channel, but it is surprisingly hard to find a clear channel at PAX.

[wyeast]

Originally Posted by Scull

Please don't bring walkie talkies to PAX. The staff use them for a variety of communications, and the more noise there is the less useful they become. You could always be on your own channel, but it is surprisingly hard to find a clear channel at PAX.

No, I'm not serious about the walkie talkies. Too loud to rely on people actually hearing (and responding) real-time. Waaaaaay more reliable to use SMS or some other means that doesn't depend on real-time response.

It's surprisingly hard to find clear anything at PAX. Maybe we should bring flare guns?

[Bone]

Facebook bought Beluga, and Facebook Messenger is basically the same app. You might hate Facebook, but the Messenger maintains the same functionality in which non-members can be contacted just using their mobile number. This function was what made Beluga work well for us regardless of whether everyone had smart phones or not.

And yes, I'm stalking the PAX thread

[Ghostbear]

You will be missed Eric. I'll have to drown my sorrow in beer.

[Zrikz]

You guys should look into Kakao Talk.. its big here in Korea, can install it anywhere and you can do group chats, when you ad a lot of people it makes a big chat room basically.

[Bone]

Originally Posted by Ghostbear

You will be missed Eric. I'll have to drown my sorrow in beer.

I'll try and time my beer drinking so we get quantum alcohol entanglement.

[Ravenlock]

I too am stalking this thread even though I can't be there.

[GrrSnort]

Add me. It's an Arkansas number, but I do live in the greater Seattle area. My mom offered to add me to her plan and I thought "Hey, cheap phone plan."


edited because, Internet -Ghostbear

[GrrSnort]

Originally Posted by iHap

With GroupMe you can enable SMS messages within the App if Data becomes swamped. Last year though AT&T's service wasn't that bad. I could receive data at a slower speed of course, but still good 3G.

Though, I imagine the 4G, like everytime I go to a sporting event in Seattle, will be less than stellar.

[LiquidRain]

I'll be stuck on Sprint 3G, so yeah, I might be hard to get a hold of.

edit: looks like we've decided to go with GroupMe, thanks Jeremy.

[GrrSnort]

Originally Posted by GrrSnort

Add me. It's an Arkansas number, but I do live in the greater Seattle area. My mom offered to add me to her plan and I thought "Hey, cheap phone plan."


edited because, Internet -Ghostbear

Oh yeah. Idiot = me. Should have known better.

[GrrSnort]

ATT 4G in crowded places fucking sucks. Wish it would my phone would switch down to 3G in times like that.