For myself personally I would like to make it known that I am a medically deaf individual who wears two hearing aids, so auditory presentations are not really ideally suited for me, unless there are captions/subtitles/transcripts that accompany any videos. Podcasts are definitely something that I simply do not have any use for either because without any visual references I cannot actually understand what little sound might filter through to my mind (my eyes are my ears).
Yes indeed they are very important features. Zoom has captioning software built into its system, but sometimes gets words wrong depending on the speakers speech skills and voice volume, though it mostly does the job. Zoom is still not my favorite system, and in reality it is practically designed for interactive conversations, with back and forth talking. For what Alex is aiming for I would suggest a recorded video that answers the questions posed, it's a lot of work and time consuming to use Zoom conversations with large audiences; and Alex is only just starting out with Substack and I can still remember how much time I had to spend just getting used to the website overall as a whole, I would advise him to ease his way into Substack and get a regular writing pattern going first before he ventures into videos, podcasts, or zoom.
Substack's Chat feature is actually somewhat useful for having question and answer sessions, ideally one person at a time, otherwise with large followings everyone wants the master's attention to their questions or comments, etc. Anyways that's just my two cents based on my experience.
Good comments about the pace of ramping up into the various ways to engage this audience. I'm assuming Alex has participated in and maybe run larger Zoom meetings. If he uses the protocols typically used in other such sessions, such as the host muting all participants and unmuting individually each one who is "given the floor," and having a co-host to handle tech or other issues that come up, etc., it shouldn't be too hard to get things up and running. A most important task when starting a new group is to establish the "ground rules" and expectations for participation that build a respectful culture. Getting very familiar with all the settings in Zoom (or whatever platform is used) before hosting a large group is another must so the host and/or co-host don't have surprises in the middle of a meeting.
Thank you for coming aboard Substack; your perspective is incredibly important to us. Also, I want to express my profound admiration and respect for both you and your family.
My question(s):
Mr. Vindman, As the Director for European Affairs at the NSC during the tumultuous time of President Trump's impeachment inquiry, you found yourself at a crossroads of conscience and duty. Having listened to the July 25 call, you faced the monumental task of addressing the nation's legislators with your insights.
The gravity of your impending testimony must have been palpable in the lead-up to the event. It would be fascinating to hear about the atmosphere of those days, the weight of responsibility you shouldered, and the preparations that went into ensuring your account was both precise and enlightening.
When you finally took the stand, the eyes of many were upon you, seeking the clarity that only someone with your direct experience could provide. How did you manage the pressure of that moment? What can you tell us about the experience of speaking truth to power in such a public and pivotal forum? Your story is undoubtedly as instructive as it is inspiring, and many would value the chance to hear it in your own words.
May I suggest you offer this choice every time, since people's calendars usually change week by week and what's good one week might not be next week, or vice versa.
Or you can perhaps record the Zoom sessions and link to them afterwards.
Yes, I really like this idea! It really helps to get everyone reading it, rather than just those who are available on the days Alex chooses to do you Q&A, etc.
I understand doing a live session is much trickier but i think it would be more interactive with questions building off previous questions like a well run space. I personally would appreciate that type of format sine I’m a regular listener/participant on the Mriyareport.org space on xitter.
I like Zoom meetings that allow at least a few individuals to ask questions or respond to a presentation along with allowing chat conversations. They have helped me begin to build community with like-minded people. My biggest challenge is that my work schedule often does not allow me to attend live during the workday (Eastern Time). Evenings at 7pm or 8pm work best for me.
I'm with Mimi Eisenberg (a commenter below) when she says to perhaps "record the Zoom sessions and a link to them afterwards." So many more people (including me!) would have access to the issues discussed this way. Other sites do this and it makes for a larger reach than just those able to access the information on the one day. Just my two cents...
For myself personally I would like to make it known that I am a medically deaf individual who wears two hearing aids, so auditory presentations are not really ideally suited for me, unless there are captions/subtitles/transcripts that accompany any videos. Podcasts are definitely something that I simply do not have any use for either because without any visual references I cannot actually understand what little sound might filter through to my mind (my eyes are my ears).
Closed captions & transcripts are an important accessibility feature! Hopefully, Alex can provide that feature for Zoom or recorded videos.
Yes indeed they are very important features. Zoom has captioning software built into its system, but sometimes gets words wrong depending on the speakers speech skills and voice volume, though it mostly does the job. Zoom is still not my favorite system, and in reality it is practically designed for interactive conversations, with back and forth talking. For what Alex is aiming for I would suggest a recorded video that answers the questions posed, it's a lot of work and time consuming to use Zoom conversations with large audiences; and Alex is only just starting out with Substack and I can still remember how much time I had to spend just getting used to the website overall as a whole, I would advise him to ease his way into Substack and get a regular writing pattern going first before he ventures into videos, podcasts, or zoom.
Substack's Chat feature is actually somewhat useful for having question and answer sessions, ideally one person at a time, otherwise with large followings everyone wants the master's attention to their questions or comments, etc. Anyways that's just my two cents based on my experience.
Good comments about the pace of ramping up into the various ways to engage this audience. I'm assuming Alex has participated in and maybe run larger Zoom meetings. If he uses the protocols typically used in other such sessions, such as the host muting all participants and unmuting individually each one who is "given the floor," and having a co-host to handle tech or other issues that come up, etc., it shouldn't be too hard to get things up and running. A most important task when starting a new group is to establish the "ground rules" and expectations for participation that build a respectful culture. Getting very familiar with all the settings in Zoom (or whatever platform is used) before hosting a large group is another must so the host and/or co-host don't have surprises in the middle of a meeting.
Thank you for coming aboard Substack; your perspective is incredibly important to us. Also, I want to express my profound admiration and respect for both you and your family.
My question(s):
Mr. Vindman, As the Director for European Affairs at the NSC during the tumultuous time of President Trump's impeachment inquiry, you found yourself at a crossroads of conscience and duty. Having listened to the July 25 call, you faced the monumental task of addressing the nation's legislators with your insights.
The gravity of your impending testimony must have been palpable in the lead-up to the event. It would be fascinating to hear about the atmosphere of those days, the weight of responsibility you shouldered, and the preparations that went into ensuring your account was both precise and enlightening.
When you finally took the stand, the eyes of many were upon you, seeking the clarity that only someone with your direct experience could provide. How did you manage the pressure of that moment? What can you tell us about the experience of speaking truth to power in such a public and pivotal forum? Your story is undoubtedly as instructive as it is inspiring, and many would value the chance to hear it in your own words.
May I suggest you offer this choice every time, since people's calendars usually change week by week and what's good one week might not be next week, or vice versa.
Or you can perhaps record the Zoom sessions and link to them afterwards.
Yes, I really like this idea! It really helps to get everyone reading it, rather than just those who are available on the days Alex chooses to do you Q&A, etc.
I understand doing a live session is much trickier but i think it would be more interactive with questions building off previous questions like a well run space. I personally would appreciate that type of format sine I’m a regular listener/participant on the Mriyareport.org space on xitter.
I think you should also go on tik tok and talk about these things. People need to know and understand. Not just people who read articles and can pay.
I like Zoom meetings that allow at least a few individuals to ask questions or respond to a presentation along with allowing chat conversations. They have helped me begin to build community with like-minded people. My biggest challenge is that my work schedule often does not allow me to attend live during the workday (Eastern Time). Evenings at 7pm or 8pm work best for me.
I'm with Mimi Eisenberg (a commenter below) when she says to perhaps "record the Zoom sessions and a link to them afterwards." So many more people (including me!) would have access to the issues discussed this way. Other sites do this and it makes for a larger reach than just those able to access the information on the one day. Just my two cents...
Just a crazy idea to throw out there.