Twitter seems to be the defacto backchannel at library conferences and events but at WebWise the other day Nina Simon suggested that everyone also use a site called Today’sMeet. I haven’t been inclined to report on conferences via Twitter nor have I used it very much to communicate with others during presentations. This is probably because I don’t find that type of reporting too compelling. One exception is when people highlight smart things people have said, but I like that when it isn’t in a conference reporting context too.
This being said, I did check out and use the WebWise Today’sMeet and liked it. It was more like an instant, disposable chat room than Twitter and that’s why I liked it.
- It wasn’t global. I’m pretty sure only people at the conference knew about the room and it felt very local and community-y.
- It didn’t place an emphasis on the poster. There were no pictures or avatars. Mostly it is just what people typed and a small attribution.
- It didn’t require an account or login so more people could get in on the action. It was link an IRC backchannel for all.
While tweeting about conferences via hashtags is great for people not at events, keeping up with parts of events you’re at but can’t attend, highlighting interesting ideas and people’s perceptions, Today’sMeet was nice in these other ways.
