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| Tips & Tricks |
| Tip of the moment: |
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[ VIEW ALL TIPS ] |
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| On this page: | Elsewhere on the mc² site: |
| Chat Help Topics: | More Chat Help Topics: |
Getting a Computer & Internet Access
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This "weeding out" is to combat the frustration people have when they apply to join a Members Only community that sounds interesting, but never get approved, as the group owner is no longer maintaining the community; or they get in, but nothing's happening there.
The way to combat this is to ensure any group you set up is not like a shop opening with empty shelves.
| To make it inviting for members to join and participate, remember to populate each section of the community with content - "stack the shelves" before opening:
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Don't rely on the "if we build it, they will come" type of optimism - be proactive!
Invite key people to join your newly established group [Hint: you can use the "Invite a Friend" feature].
Finally, if you can't think of any interesting content, or anyone to invite to join the group, maybe it wasn't such a great idea in the first place? Please delete any unused, or test groups ["delete group" option on bottom left of group, when owner logs in].
Good luck to you all in continuing to establish vibrant communities, and ensure you look at the other resources here to help you:
|  CELAS Moderators in Vicnet Training Room |
What are the Moderators Tasks?
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Both the Owner and Moderators can approve (or remove) new members, links and events. They can also delete any content and access the Group Files, Group Settings and Group Webpage. |
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Only the Owner can bestow (or remove) moderating powers on a member (i.e. appoint Moderators), Change Ownership, or delete the group. |
TIP 1:
TIP 2:
Make full use of other mc² facilities to complement the chat:
| My Communities | Make sure everyone goes to My Communities and turns email alerts on. That way, as well as getting forum entries by email, they will also be notified of new polls, events links and shared files |
| Forum | Use your group's Forum to discuss the potential chat topic, guest speaker arrangements and best time for everyone to chat. |
| Polls | Set up Polls for people to vote on their preferred time, topic, speaker etc. |
| Events | Advertise the exact chat time and details as an Event |
| Shared Files | Make supporting documents available in the Shared Files section in advance, so people can read about the topic or speaker before the chat |
| Links | Create appropriate categories in the Links section, and propogate them with links to relevent sites of interest. This way people can research the topic and have an informed opinion. |
| Topic | Keep the chat focussed and on topic |
| Timing | Tell people to be patient, and wait around a while in the chat room. This allows time for everyone to join in. You don't want the first person to leave the chat room at 8.01 because it is empty, then person #2 enter and do the same thing at 8.02... |
| Acronyms & Smileys : - ) | To save typing, or add emotions or emphasis to typed messages, e.g. in chat rooms, people use emotional icons (emoticons) or "smileys". View Acronyms & Smileys : - ) |
| Features
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Features of mc² Communities |
OK, so you've organised a chat on a topic of interest for your group, maybe with a guest speaker;
you've arranged a time suitable to everyone and publicised the event;
but what else do you need to do, to make the chat time effective?
You need to check all your potential chatters are able to chat!
Check that they have registered with mc2, joined your group,
and tested out the chat prior to the proposed session.
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Preparation: Before people can use the chat facilities at mc2, potential chatters must all:
Potential chatters should also:
...and ensure YOU are aware of: Tips for Moderating a Chat
If you are organising a chat session, you will need to ensure that all users have carried out all these steps |
It is best to complete registration and subscription at least 24 hours prior to the advertised time of your first chat session. This allows time for our support staff to talk through any difficulties people may have, and to answer any emails for help sent to mc2@vicnet.net.au
All users should try to enter the chat room as soon as possible after joining the group, so that they can test that there are no technical difficulties, and that they know how to use the chat room.
Common problems include:
You will need to talk to your Network Administrator to solve your own network access problems, but the Vicnet Help Desk may be able to assist with Java problems on your machine. You should read the Chat Help section.
We recommend the use of Internet Explorer, version 6 or above, with the Java Virtual Machine installed and enabled. Screen resolution should be at least 800 x 600.
Don't get worried by the JPilot Security Warning. Just click "YES" to install & run applet. If you don't, you can't chat!
If you wish to record a transcript of the chat, you will have to use download, install and run a third-party piece of IRC chat software, such as mIRC. Read about mIRC.
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Regarding Online Safety e.g. for Kids in Chat Rooms, see:
Talking in a chat room is like walking into a room full of strangers, so the normal social conventions apply. You wouldn't normally run in shouting, swearing and being abusive, so make sure you don't here either.
Be polite, welcome people entering the room or introduce yourself to those already in there. You don't need to use proper punctuation or capital letters, but be aware that typing in CAPITAL LETTERS means SHOUTING in a chat room. Be careful you don't accidentally hit the Caps Lock key.
Differences of opinion are normal, and vibrant, robust discussion can be stimulating, but don't descend to personal attacks or react in an angry or impulsive manner. The key to good Netiquette is respect:
If anyone gets carried away and breaks any of the rules, it is the responsibility of the Community Leader to eject or even ban them from the chat room for that community. mc² and Vicnet also reserve the right to ban or suspend anyone for inappropriate or offensive behaviour, or anyone in breach of the 
Code of Conduct.
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