Video Conference by Skype

Remember that line in Rocky Horror anti dialogue "yes we have the technology"

I was going through that thread by ncjassen and it occured to me that we could video confernence with him with Skype. We could set up the video to view the working area and walk him (or anyone) through the engine removal procedure. The benefit here is that anyone who needs to draw on the experience of veteran Norton affectionados could receive directions over the internet. Moderators could watch and direct the procedure in real time and provide instructions. An engine removal on a Commando takes about four hours and it could be done on a Sunday morning forum with the whole world involved. This would be a good way to impart experience to a newcomer to the world of Nortons.

Sounds like fun to me. Feedback greatly appreciated.

I think it is a great idea, except I would do it in reverse. I think it would be better for someone with lots of experience to invite the rest of us into their shop to see how they performed a certain task.

Doing it the other way around might work out but often a big part of figuring out a job is finding the right tools or improvising on how to perform a task with the tools on hand. It could get to be a big frustration sitting through this process. Until you have done the job it is easy to think you have the tools and the work space ready only to find out you don't. Or at least that has been my experience. I would hate to have the whole world watching while I fumbled around trying to figure out how to improvise for something I don't have handy.

Russ

Expert 1: "I do it this way,"

Expert 2: "That's stupid, I've always done this."

Expert 3: "You are both idiots, the factory did it like this."

Expert 4: "All three of you need to do some research, and the factory method was obsolete even when they made 'em."
Here's the best way!"

Expert 5: "Have any of you 4 guys actually worked on any of these bikes? If so, you would know that MY method is the best."



Yep - it would be even MORE effective as a video conference!
(or a presidential debate.)

It theoretically sounds like fun, but I fear it would play out more like Mike996's reply. That said, I would prefer to buy a DVD and watch uninterrupted lessons at my leisure.

britbike220 said:

It theoretically sounds like fun, but I fear it would play out more like Mike996's reply. That said, I would prefer to buy a DVD and watch uninterrupted lessons at my leisure.

Click to expand...

So would I. I'd buy a DVD this minute!

While I am not a regular skype user I did try it out a few months ago. It was for a purpose as this with multiple people, but no one could figure out how to work it other than one on one. Everyone was mad, and I never tried it again. Besides the technical aspect everyone would have to be available at the same time which is another feat. :wink:

That being said though,I do like the idea and also the dvd idea

DVD? Heck, I'm still waiting for the T-shirts someone said they were going to be making.

The industrious fellows over at the BMW F650 "Chain Gang" have put together a series of videos on a single DVD illustrating the correct procedure for a number of maintenance tasks. If anybody has the time and the inclination, maybe s/he could upload a video to YouTube and link to it from a sticky post on this site. As more videos are uploaded, the links are added to the post. We could then collect all the maintenance videos onto a single disc and provide it to members.

Of course, this presumes that anybody can agree on the proper way to do anything . . . :roll:

Taking volunteers from a group of people that rebuild these bikes regularly would be simple enough. Example, I would be forbidden to contribute a video due to my lack of motorcycle maintenance skill. LUDWIG on the other hand would be allowed to contribute just about anything he would be willing to take the time to present on video. There are a lot of people on here that could do a video with great success and I would think the easiest way would be make up a list and see who volunteers to do what and let them have artistic license based on trust and their ability to complete a task with a positive or correct outcome. Not every one has to agree on a given method as long as the methods are successful and besides it's just talk........so who is drawing up the list of potential subjects and who will volunteer? :mrgreen:

I think it is a good idea to draw up a list of basic maintenance tasks (oil change, primary/drive chain adjustment, brake bleed, isolastic adjusment) and let people volunteer to create a (well-lit) video explaining how these tasks are accomplished. Once a video is made and uploaded to YouTube, we add it to the list. This way, we gradually build a library of know-how in an easy to access format.

As an example of the kind of useful videos that can come out of this, check out these videos posted by a well-regarded SoCal Ducati shop:

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/videos/

rvich said:

I think it is a great idea, except I would do it in reverse. I think it would be better for someone with lots of experience to invite the rest of us into their shop to see how they performed a certain task.

Doing it the other way around might work out but often a big part of figuring out a job is finding the right tools or improvising on how to perform a task with the tools on hand. It could get to be a big frustration sitting through this process. Until you have done the job it is easy to think you have the tools and the work space ready only to find out you don't. Or at least that has been my experience. I would hate to have the whole world watching while I fumbled around trying to figure out how to improvise for something I don't have handy.

Russ

Click to expand...

At first Russ I thought you and I were on the same track as I thought the idea was backwards too.

I have no problems taking things apart, it's putting it all back together where I need help!