Don't really need to at this point at RCTgo, as I only have one staff member other than myself. We communicate through our staff forums (but not very often), and to be honest, there wouldn't be much to discuss in over live chat anyway. At MyBB, most discussion happens through the staff forum or from one team member to another over MSN. We also have team meetings every so often, and are beginning to have monthly management team meetings over Skype.
Lately, I have been holding monthly (sometimes weekly) staff "brainstorm sessions" via Skype (both video and audio) - which I've found to be an excellent form of communication. It's always nice to chat in a more personable manner than, say, talking via Windows Live Messenger or a virtual chatroom.
No modator meetings as this time. I keep in touch with one of my admins all the time over IM another I PM back and fourth with.. I BCC them on any member issues PMs. Aside from that we have a moderators forum where reported posts and stuff goes and we all talk in there and come to a general consensus on what's what. Perhaps as we grow we'll have to have a scheduled meeting but for now I cannot ask any more of mods than I already do and that's just to keep the forums in check.
Maybe one of the vBulletin chat modifications should have a permission setting so only administrators and moderators of the forum can see it. Now there's an idea. Of course, if it hasn't been done already.
Yep, I think most of the modifications provide permission customization. I guess if you do happen to find a modification which doesn't, the if conditions always come in handy That's one thing I miss when using MyBB, I gotta tell ya'. But that's a different story.
Yeah, I think most of them do. One of them even comes pre-loaded with a Team chat room (I think)... obviously for staff members.
I would have staff meetings, but I don't have any staff other than one other administrators at Setsou Design and two other administrators at Bird is the Word. We keep in contact via IM.
I could only use Skype with Nei, because she's the only one with a webcam. And because I have MSN/Windows Live Messenger, we can do both voice and video chat.
Skype also boasts a text-based instant messaging feature, as well. I'm actually quite fond of it. :yes:
Yes, I know... I have Skype and used it with my staff members back when I had All Star Gaming Pro... It's been hacked.
Video chatting with your partner would be interesting. It's something I've never done before, that's for sure.
Is Skype IM any good if you don't have a webcam or microphone (and don't intend to purchase one)? Or should I just stick with AIM/MSN?
If you don't intend on utilizing Skype's audio and video conferencing features, I'd stick with AIM/MSN.