[Taylor]

The conversations will be documented and archived at www.botchat.wordpress.com.
Still wondering what's going on?

What is #BotChat?

BotChat is a collaboration between FRC teams 1529 and 3176 to get the greater robotics community communicating with each other about critical and topical team-related subjects.

What is a Twitter chat?

A Twitter chat is a real time conversation using the Twitter social media platform. People can participate by following a particular #hashtag during the scheduled meeting time.

How do I participate in the #BotChat Twitter Chat?

You must have a Twitter account to take part in a Twitter chat. To create an account, visit www.Twitter.com. To follow along with the scheduled chat, log into your Twitter account and search for and follow @Robot_Chat. This handle (which is Twitter lingo for “username”) is the host of #BotChat. All questions will be posted from @Robot_Chat and we will also post updates about future #BotChats. To see any tweets that relate to #BotChat, just search for #BotChat. All posts that include the hashtag #BotChat will show up on your computer screen. At first glance a Twitter chat may seem mildly chaotic; however, you will pick up quickly on the structure:
1.The first 5 minutes or so will be for introductory comments by @Robot_Chat and introduction of the participants so we know who is “out there.”
2.Whenever you respond to a question or post during this Bot Chat session, be sure to use the #BotChat hashtag in your post.
3.The remainder of the chat will consist of questions designated as Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5.1.Participants will respond to each question using parallel designations A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, while also including #BotChat in their responses.
4.As the end of the hour approaches, the leader will call the discussion to a close, though participants are welcome to continue interacting with each other.

Hints to make your #BotChat Twitter chat more productive:
1.Always respond using the A1, A2 ... prefix so that everyone else knows what question you are responding to.
2.Always use the #BotChat hashtag at the end of your response or people won’t see it unless they actually “follow” you on Twitter.
3.Twitter chats start exactly on time and end on time. If you are late or miss the chat, you can search after the fact to see what you missed!
4.Twitter is a PUBLIC forum. #BotChat is meant to be a fun way of sharing best-practices, opinions and short discussions about all things FIRST and Robots. Make your responses helpful and friendly. Also, don’t share your private information (phone number, address, etc.) over Twitter. You never know who may be looking.

Feel free to continue discussions via DM (Direct Message). Twitter Chats are a great way to network and meet other people interested in the same subject as you. You never know who you’ll become friends with on Twitter, but just remember to be safe.

Remember, the pilot chat will be tomorrow (Sunday 12/16) from 7-8 EST. Join the conversation!