Intro, Goals, Issues

[Amir Michail]

Hi,

I would like to build something like freshmeat for VNC broadcasts. If
you would like to join me, let me know. Perhaps we could turn this
into a startup.

The proposed sevice is currently called "VNCCasts".

VNCCasts allows you to broadcast your computer usage live on the net
using VNC while receiving feedback in real-time from your viewers
(e.g., through chat).

These "VNCCasts" are not only a great way to give interactive live
demonstrations but also to "work live" on a daily basis to impress
potential employers and receive timely feedback from viewers.

I hope to get something that is of beta quality done by the end of
April, 2006.

Some issues:

* efficiency of broadcasts (e.g., might use vncreflector)

* privacy:
- users may not want to broadcast directly from their computer;
perhaps the service (or a trusted viewer) could broadcast on
their behalf to hide their IP from viewers
- users may give out private data by mistake during the broadcast;
it would be desirable to have a 5 second delay say to allow users
to recover from such situations
- users should be able to stop broadcasting temporarily while
sensitive data is on the screen
- users should have some say as to whether recording of their
broadcast is permitted

* scheduling & notifications:
- how should users inform their viewers of upcoming broadcasts?
- how should users and their viewers agree on a good time for
broadcasts?

* communication:
- how should viewers communicate with the broadcaster and each other?
- should we have some sort of chat moderation?
- how do we deal with spam?

* relying on other services:
- how much should be built into this service and how much should be
relegated to other services (e.g., for chat, tagging, etc.)?

* broadcast metadata
- how do we get metadata from the broadcast to provide a way
to search/browse VNCCasts?
- should we use the user's keystrokes as metadata?
- should we use the chat as metadata?

Amir

[Sophie]

This is fascinating. Thank you for this information. How great not to
have to worry with finding a server, creating a web page. One could
simply show the info for the other person to copy, if desired. Your
questions you raise are excellent. I'd like to hear more about this
product.

I can see some real uses, other, as well. I am starting an association
of like minded producers, service industry, independents who can sell
their products, services online, perhaps via an ebay store.

How would it be if there were an address, such as this, devoted to this
association, where by those interested could come to this page - to
exchange info, new - 2) to purchase product... who knows. other pages
more ably perform that static need, service, of course... but there is
real potential here - both for a security mightmare, but also for MORE
free - even freer flow of info. thanks

your thoughts. thanks, sophie,

[Sophie]

could we ping, or otherwise create notification on a person's on their
cell phone / computer as in via EMAIL ALERT W/ AUDIO of AN INVITATION
TO BROADCAST / VIEW BROADCAST / RESPOND W FEEDBACK TO BROADCAST?

[karthikbg]

Thats really great.

Maybe we need to organise it very well so that it would be easy for
everyone of us.

It will really help the geeks a lot who really want some clarifications
to be done .
Further, it will help the 'solution providers' to easily understand the
Geek's problem and help them in telling some
techniques to fix the problems.

There can also be separate sections for advertisements regarding
certain products being marketed by the
respective companies.

Regards,
Karthik Balaguru