As I sat looking at Twitter last night and reading through my RSS feed reader, I saw that Chris Pirillo was streaming a live broadcast on Ustream.tv.  As he was getting things set up for his live show, Robert Scoble sent out a message that Mexico City had an earthquake.  Immediately Chris saw the message typed in by Robert Scoble. At the time, Chris had about 20 viewers on his live streaming show.  He asked them if anyone knew of someone in Mexico City or if anyone was near there.  Chris set up a telephone conference using a free application, and we all began to discuss the situation.  A viewer came on named Eduardo, a resident of Mexico City and he used the phone conference and eventually Skype, to communicate with everyone about the happenings as they unfolded. 

There were four technological applications in play during the impromptu session.  It was very surreal, like being on the set of CNN but we were all participating in the news as it unfolded.  I was able to ask questions of Eduardo, and everyone in the group was able to not only here my participation but the responses as well.  It reminded me somewhat of what it was like to watch the first Iraq war when the reporters on the ground were reporting in real time, but in this case I was able to actually participate, ask questions, and comment on what was happening.

Afterward a session began discussing the event and how it was captured on this historic evening.  It was like participating in a barcamp.  A group of media and technology experts all contributed to a discussion and it was very rewarding.  We discussed how this could be a new form of reporting and a new medium for real time discussion and conferencing.  I myself participated until 4:30 a.m. when I finally ran out of adrenaline.  It will be interesting to see if something like this unfolds again, and perhaps not in a disaster situation but perhaps just the impromptu conference that allowed for participation.  Next time of course, I would ask if Chris would start the party a little earlier.  I’m whipped today.

You Tube capture of Part 1

You Tube capture of Part 2

Tags: Chris Pirillo, Twitter, Ustream.tv, Robert Scoble, Mexico City, Skype, CNN, Barcamp, YouTube