Featured CMs - International

Q1: Tell us a little bit about you.

I am married, children long gone. I rather fell into computers in '95 when my brother gave me a Mac with about 4 ounces of memory. I soon realized that a PC was my choice of "torture" and have since been in the universal scramble to stay current with technical advances, improvements and the vast well of information available to one on the Internet. I have a background in the discipline of psychology, and this has been an asset in dealing with everyone. I care for and enjoy working with people, it's as simple as that. I am fiercely loyal to my employers and ibingo.

Q2: How long have you been a Chat Host?

Actually, I did not start as a Chat Hostess, but rather as an aide/assistant/creative counterpart to the technical persons at ibingo. After an exchange of letters I was hired in the fall of 1998. Our Chat program was released in late 1999 and I then added Chat Manager to my list of other work at ibingo. I retired in Jan '01, and was asked to come back in August '01, in the position of Chat Manager. As our chat has grown, this has become a very interesting and busy position. I manage approximately 15 or more volunteer moderators, co-ordinate schedules, training and work in the Chat rooms.

Q3: How did you become a Chat Host?

I was involved to some degree in the creation of our Chat rooms, and the position of Chat Manager evolved as a matter of course. I created the idea of Volunteer Moderators, choosing them from the active chatters, based on ability to interact, level of activity, involvement in chat and other factors. Volunteer 'mods' work in a team spirit, and are organized and directed by me.

Q4: What do you like most about the job?

Everything that goes with chat. It is rather like a microcosm of life, with all the attendant problems, joys and shared information. The chatters become one family, with differing personalities, needs and contributions to make to every chat session. We follow one another thru all aspects of life, share grief and meet needs.

Q5: What is the worst part of the job?

There is no worst. If I were to list any worst, the job wouldn�t be a pleasure then would it?

Q6: Which are your favorite chat room games?

I have no favorites among our rooms, all serve the purpose equally well.

Q7: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened whilst you have been in a chat room?

We were celebrating my virtual birthday, with a virtual party, in 1999. My bio at the time listed my age as 90, with an addendum that I lied a bit about vital statistics. One chatter went to look at my picture (I am NOT 90!) and came back with the statement that I didn't look any older than her uncle, who was 83. The room exploded and I, for once, was stunned into silence. We still laugh over that one!

Q8: What makes a good Chat Host?

The ability to be objective, interact with all the chatters, keep the room alive, and also know when to stay silent. A good Moderator needs to know the site, where all information and new announcements are posted, and the technical aspects of the site, how to access the Helps available. There is no right or wrong way to run chat, it depends on what is happening at any given moment. Consideration and courtesy are paramount for both moderators and chatters. We are not police, we are the means to provide continuity, information and fun in chat.

Q9: How would you like to see online bingo (as a whole) develop?

I would like to see the sites that are out there maintain the integrity and honesty that ibingo has displayed since opening in April of 1998. I have played at many in the past, and most of those have fallen by the wayside. For all sites, quick response to the players needs and problems is paramount. Change is as inevitable as the passing of time, and new advances in technology are giving us the best possible games for which one could ask.

Q10: Any other comments that you'd like to add about being a Chat Host?

I would like to commend the other Chat persons out there, especially the Chat Hostesses in the running for CM Award, who took the time to write to ibingo, and me, when we won the 'CM of the Year' award. As I said at the time, it was the team of Volunteers who made our chat what it is today, and they continue to work as hard as ever.

All the team here at CMOTY would like to say a big 'TY' to Morgan.

If you'd like to nominate someone to be our 'Featured CM' next month please mail Evie.