Last Thursday, Shel and I recorded the sixth weekly ZoomChat where we engage in informal discussion with FIR listeners. Each episode is typically up to an hour although I'm usually there only for the first 30 minutes (part of my Zoom fatigue management). This episode is just over the hour. In this episode, the conversation ranged wide as usual, from the fun and games of lockdown life with kids (and without grandkids); views on lockdowns far and wide across the US, in Brazil and in the UK; … [Read more...] about FIR ZoomChat 6: Short Memories
FIR Zoom Chat 5: How We’ll Get Back to Work
The fifth weekly Zoom Chat featuring listeners and FIR co-hosts Neville Hobson and Shel Holtz. Our primary discussion continues to focus on coronavirus and lockdowns, and how communicators, businesses, and whole industries - automotive and airlines to name but two - are managing, although a shift in focus is emerging: getting back to work once this crisis is on the wane. And what might the new normal look like? Watch Now You can also listen to or download the MP3 audio file. Links … [Read more...] about FIR Zoom Chat 5: How We’ll Get Back to Work
FIR 194: The Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020
The April episode of “The Hobson & Holtz Report” continues the coronavirus theme from March with conversations about… Our experience being ZoombombedThe role of social media during Covid-19How toilet paper companies are responding to online criticism over shortagesMicrosoft’s belief that coronavirus will forever change the way we work and learnThe UK Automobile Association’s belief that coronavirus will transform UK work and travelEmojis in the time of coronavirusThe big data behind … [Read more...] about FIR 194: The Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020
FIR Zoom Chat 4: Zoom burnout
With so many people using video conferencing tools - especially Zoom - in their new-normal working from home lockdown environment, there's a rise in anxiety and stress when it comes to using a tool like this as your primary method of real-time communication across the work/life divide. It's leading to burnout says Angela Lashbrook writing in OneZero last week: A good topic for the fourth weekly Zoom Chat on April 16 featuring listeners and FIR co-hosts Neville Hobson and Shel … [Read more...] about FIR Zoom Chat 4: Zoom burnout
Living in Lockdown
On March 23, 2020, the UK went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and the consequent emergence of the COVID-19 infection. Since then, it's been a time of staying home for large numbers of the population, regaled daily by government spokespeople, advertising and social media messages to "Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives." It's been a time of an emerging 'new normal' that began with panic buying of some household basics especially toilet roll and hand gel (sanitizer); and, … [Read more...] about Living in Lockdown