Remote viewing of Q & A

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

I just thought of something. (don't let that scare you, although it did me a little)

Was speaking to a recent CPOA grad.. We were talking about thier Q&A with the Commendant. He said there were a lot of good questions asked and some good answers. It went on for about 1.5 hrs..

That got me thinking. I'm not a big 'puter techie so I don't even know if this is possible, but, would it not be a good idea if you could remotely view the CPOA Q&A when they have them? All Chief's would be sent a username/passwood or something like that. You dial up and watch and listen to the questions posed to the Commendant and/or MCPOCG. You wouldn't be able to ask questions, just observe. We all know that if someone askes a question, there is probably a bunch of us wondering the same thing.

What do you all think? Would any of you take advantage of this if it was offered? Would this even be possible?

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Jeff, you could contact the school Chief and ask. Those VTCs could be recorded. Each class does about five or so. They might tell you they want to keep it a closed sessions to encourage people to ask the questions in a non-attributal environment. Make the call....... it doesn't hurt to ask.
You could also check with the PCO/PXO school to ask about their VTCs.
I probably wouldn't view them live. If they were recorded and I heard that something interesting was discussed.... I'd probably track a copy of the conversations down.

[BMCS Dennis Endicott (Ret)]

I know its possible to have a video chat room. If that can be done, I don't see why you couldn't set up a live feed for the CPOA Q&A.

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

Those VTCs could be recorded. Each class does about five or so. They might tell you they want to keep it a closed sessions to encourage people to ask the questions in a non-attributal environment.

Good points, Master Chief. I think your example here might be a contradiction though, in my mind anyways. If they are recorded, and the attendees know that, they might hold back more on the questions knowing that they are forever on some tape somewhere which then could come back and bite them. Maybe at a retirement? :o

So you do it live. After it's over, it's gone. That might cause the attendees to free up the questions more. And I don't think I'd want to see every VTC. I would be more interested in just the Comdt/MCPOCG, and of course the MCPO-CGRF when he is on. Having something to do with "straight from the horses mouth." If it's limited to just those, the turnout on-line might be better.

I say try it for a year, see what kind of feedback they get, numbers, etc. Worst that could happen is they pull the plug on it. Who knows, could be a big hit. This could be the CG's intro into the "Reality TV" craze. Even if it is only E7 and above.

Just my thoughts.

[ETC Pat Kaschube]

Though this is a great idea those VTC's take a lot of bandwidth. The one here uses a dedicated T-1. I'm not an IT but I'm not sure if such a network could be set up for all to view. It's always been about money, now it's all about money and bandwidth.

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

Thanks Pat. I'm not sure how all that works either. How about just steaming audio? I'm guessing that would be less bandwidth?

[ETC Pat Kaschube]

I'm not sure but CG policy doesn't allow streaming audio (I'm pretty sure this would be an exception) for the same reason. It's too bad because I'd love to listen to some radio shows online.

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

It's too bad because I'd love to listen to some radio shows online.


And what would those be?

[ETC Pat Kaschube]

I like the Jim Rome radio show. Out here the closest affiliate is a Philly station and it doesn't reach South Jersey all that well. Then again alot of things don't reach South Jersey.

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

C'mon Pat. An ET can't find a way to get a radio station? I figured you would have been up a tower somewhere placing an antenna for optimal reception. I'm a bit dissapointed. :p