Having a Google hangout is a bit like going on a blind date. You show up early, wonder if you look okay, worry that your date won't show or – worse – that he shows up and you have nothing to say to each other.
Luckily, the Globe community team had a good time at our first hangout this week. Sure, there were a couple of people without working microphones, but they made do with waves and hand-written notes. Nobody seemed to mind. I think we were all so pleased to be trying something new and to actually see it work that we put our awkwardness aside.
What's a Google Hangout, you ask? It's a chance for Google+ users with a webcam to join a group of up to 10 people chatting face to face.
Story continues below advertisement
Being in the hangout was sort of like being in a chat room, where people pop in and out, some just lurking, some stopping to talk. It was a good chance to speak with readers and ask them what they thought of our new Google+ site.
It was also a chance to learn from our mistakes so we can improve the experience next time. For example, when we tweeted the hangout, we linked to a story about it on our site, and assumed people would find their way over to our Google+ page. Apparently, it was not that easy to find. Lesson learned.
If you haven't seen our Google+ page yet, you can check it out here.
If you didn't make it into this week's hangout, don't worry. This is something the Globe is planning to do on a regular basis, incorporating your ideas for future hangouts.
Story continues below advertisement
We hope to see you next time!
Dianne Nice is the Report on Business communities editor and is on Google+