Well, maybe not a crazy wine idea, but an idea that might be worth exploring and trying. I’ve seen a few people experimenting with this thing called UStream. It occurred to me that I might be able to use this to offer live wine tasting seminars via the Internet to just about anywhere. It could be one that I develop that’s sort of standard, or it could be one that I develop with you to tailor it to your needs or interests.
Sound interesting?
Now, as you know I’ve taught wine courses before and have been paid to do it. I value my time and knowledge, so I’d prefer to do this sort of thing on a paid basis. But I don’t want to start off with paying clients to find out that the bugs aren’t all worked out.
So here’s what I’m thinking: I need to do some “dress rehearsals,” and I’d do those for free while I get the thing running smoothly. These would be limited in number, and we’d obviously need to plan ahead so I know what wines you would have on site for the tasting. (Not to mention we’d have to set up the date and time, factoring in the time zones. I’m in the Eastern time zone in the U.S., which is GMT -5:00 I believe.
Anyway, if this idea interests you and you’d like to be one of my guinea pigs (or it might be canary in the coal mine), leave a comment and let’s get something set up.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d jump all over this had I not just experienced a “video conference” via link from Australia (talk about scheduling nightmares!!). My end consisted of a mostly stationary picture of the person talking with me. When he did move, it was more of a “stop action” claymation show than a “live” conference. I truly don’t know if the problem lay in the program he used or in the web transfer; either way, it was a less than successful production.
That said, I wouldn’t mind being a canary (but I’d rather be a guinea pig!). At least we are only one time zone off! Stay in touch if you decide to experiment. We’ve got a cellar (sorta) and can always find something to taste just across the state line. (Kansas also tries to teach “creationism”. Compared to that, the liquor laws are a no-brainer: make a 4 blocks run to Missouri!)
Hi Kat –
It would probably be worth the experiment. All we have to lose is some time (and maybe a connection online), but we gain an excuse to drink some wine.
What I may do is set up a test thing next weekend and invite everyone to join in and just see how it goes.
Thanks for the comment!
WLW
Bill,
Sounds like a great idea. (If it’s not too late) Count me in.
With regard to Kat’s issue, the quality of the stream usually it depends on the participants’ bandwith.
-WRV
WRV –
Actually, no one has taken me up on the offer so far. What would you have in mind as far as topics, timing, etc.?
Bill