Gather Is My New Favorite Way to Collaborate
A 2D world with spatially aware video conferencing
I’ve been a fully remote worker for about 8 years now. Right from the get-go, the most challenging parts of this setup have been staying connected and working transparently. Back then, our primary tools for communication were IMs and calls via Skype for Business.
The biggest problem with Skype for Business is that all communications are direct and private. I’ve always felt that one of my strengths has been my breadth of knowledge and ability to help the team by providing context when necessary. When all discussions are happening privately in the confines of a Skype call, though, there is no opportunity to “overhear” conversations and contribute proactively.
In addition to that, I’m also somewhat of an introvert. It’s hard for me to open an IM conversation just to say, “Hey! How are you?” And so, I wouldn’t. I’d only reach out to people when I had a business need.
Slack made a big difference. It allowed me generically say, “Good morning,” and I could see the general conversations happening with the team, work-related and not. It did a lot for my relationships with co-workers. It also allowed us to communicate openly and transparently, which keeps everyone on the same page about projects and helps spread…
