Never "chatted" before... what can I expect?

[krutten]

I've never been able to take part in the DD chats before. Not sure I will be able to this weekend either, but if I'm home, I plan to try. What can I expect?? And would it be feasible to take part with little ones underfoot (and the likely frequent interruptions!)...

[grandma lynnie]

Be prepared for the screen flying by and lots of laughing and awesome freebies and lots of conversations going on at once and some great inspiration and meeting new friends and and and and......! Very few of us get the chance to just sit and chat without interruption, so I'm sure you won't be the only one with little (or big!) ones underfoot! Do give a chat a try. You'll love it!

[justmp]

Most chats I go to I have interruptions the whole time! Tonight I told DH that my "dream" day Saturday would be for him to take the two of them to do errands and give me a few hours of peace and quiet so I could spent the morning sitting here. We'll see...either way, it's a whole lot of fun!

[Jen D]

So funny they already took the words right out of my mouth... it is SUPER FAST! But, it is so fun. My kids are always around. I leave the chat window open and do the "mom" thing as needed. I have a bunch of things lined up for the kids to do that day. My husband will be gone all day with academy and then off to DJ an event that evening. I actually am preparing the meals for the day on Friday. Last time I almost made it to every chat. I live in MST so the morning was a little hard for me to pull off. But, this time I am really going to try. It is like Mother's day has come early =)

Hmmmm... maybe I should hire a sitter

[cstaff]

fast but great fun... I just sign in the chat room and leave it on all day... I find the key for me is to save the history of the instructional chats so I can refer to the notes later... great freebies each hour and fun chatter... all day... eyes will be crossed by midnight

[digigrandma]

LOL, the chats are very chatty! And, very fun. You must check in for some or all of them, Kristin. For one thing, the freebies are fantastic.

I was in shock my first time in a chat. I would start to type and by the time I got what I wanted to say typed the group had gone on to a completely new topic.

I'd like to remind everyone, if you haven't already done so, to create an AKA card for the AKA gallery. Sometimes, it is nice, during a chat, to be able to check back to the AKA gallery to be reminded who is who. It helps in keeping all the user names and real names straight.

There is a template you can download for your AKA card here:
AKA card Template

Like Lynnie says, it is easy to come and go from the chat, Kristin.

[Kayleigh]

Expect to have lots of fun & get some fantastic freebies!

[MIDA78466]

oh chats are so much fun. They are fast! The very first time I was on a chat I was amazed at how fast it was and I just sat there looking at the words flying by. It didn't take me too long to get the hang of it.

I usually sign in and keep the computer on all day. Take breaks to deal with the kid and DH. I am actually hoping it rains so I have a good excuse to stay glued to the computer all day. The freebies are great--you don't want to miss them!!

Hope to see you on Sat.

[rpertiet]

And we upped the chat room capacity from 250 to 500 so hopefully that will be enough...

[rpertiet]

Also, the chat is a different system from the store and gallery/forum. You will need to create an account in the chat room. Bring up the chat room and at the top of the chat window is a link to register. Just click on that to get yourself setup.

[Kathie]

DOUBLE the number! WOW. It could get even scarier in its fastness of chatting whizzing by. Love it.

[cstaff]

the hourly freebies are only available during the hour of each chat... next hour, next freebie...

[mugsbigsis]

Everything they said. . . with a cherry on top! :O)

[krutten]

Cool... thanks for all the hints. I'm hoping my DH doesn't insist we go camping, but even if we do, maybe I can hit the a.m. I think it's going to start pretty early here anyway, with the time zone difference. Hope to see everyone there!! Sounds like fun!

[kathleen.summers]

Originally Posted by digigrandma

I was in shock my first time in a chat. I would start to type and by the time I got what I wanted to say typed the group had gone on to a completely new topic.

ROFL!! So true, lol. It's super fun and funny! I did lots of laughing last time during the quarterly chat. Can't wait for Saturday. Been looking forward to it and I told my dh "I won't be here Saturday". Physically, I will be, but I'm hoping he watches the kids like I'm not.

[beehive50]

Originally Posted by rpertiet

And we upped the chat room capacity from 250 to 500 so hopefully that will be enough...

Oh, the more the merrier! Although 500 will make it a bit tough to get a word in edgewise... hahahaha

[Aino]

The chats are fun and fast! Due to the time differences I can only make it to some of the chats, but I try to be there.

Hope to see you there!

[Britgirl]

I am hosting for the first time usually i just heckle the hosts and add to the general chaos. So I'm abit scared!!! LOL could be payback time ...
Randy please dont say there may be up to 500 people in the chats. OMGosh!!!
my chat is a challenge so you'll need to chat fast and scrap too
I never ever make the end chat - the time difference means I am up at stupid o'clock at night for the middle chats, but I'm hardcore and hang on til I literally fall asleep at the keyboard

[rpertiet]

Originally Posted by Britgirl

Randy please dont say there may be up to 500 people in the chats. OMGosh!!!

I'm not saying that there will be, just could be...

[digigrandma]

As usual, Randy, you keep making things better and better around here!

Oh, and, another fact for our new friends joining the chats on Saturday: Like Carol (aka cstaff) said, the freebie for each hour is only available during that hour, and, just so you know, the hosts give out the download link several times during the hour. If you come in late to one of the chats, just be patient, the freebie link will be repeated.

Mel, you're going to be great as chat host! Save a chair for me, OK?

[rpertiet]

And if you have any DD questions, I'll be doing a Ask Randy section during our last chat from 11 - Midnight EST tomorrow.

[donitab]

Can't wait for Mel's chat! But seriously 500!!!!! AHHHH - I don't give lots of input, I type too slow, but I really enjoy reading everyone's chatter & once in a while I put in my 2 cents - the freebies are awesome & you WILL love it - even if you can only make a few! Welcome!!!!!

[laura grimes]

Woo Hoo! I am hosting a chat as well! I am a bit nervous, but I know we will all have a ball! See you on Saturday!!