Do you require a skype to become staff?

[Thomasss]

For me, I do. In order to be on any one of my staff teams a skype is a must have. It's just easier to talk to someone if they a skype, even though all I do is use the chat.

Do ya'll require a skype for your staff members?

 

[Gizmo]

No. If they do not have Skype I will PM them when something important arises. While Skype is recommended it is never required by me.

 

[Reverie]

I don't necessarily require it, but it is a big plus for my members to have Skype. Communication is key especially when some of us are not able to be online as often as we'd like to be, so skype on our phones are just easiest for communication. 🙂

 

[Mikaya]

No, because they may have personal reasons not to have one. The PM system exists for a reason, and staff members are still able to respond to issues/situations in a timely manner. If it's an absolute must have, that's pretty strict and might prevent members from applying for a staff position (or they could reject the request to become a staff member if they were offered).

 

[Gray]

I never require an individual to have a Skype account, although having access to one is an obvious bonus to the staff team as it makes communication slightly easier and allows the team to get to know each other better. So, in a way I do suggest that they have one, but, no it isn't required for the role.

Pulled from our job seeking thread:

A Skype account isn't *completely* necessary, however it is advised / highly suggested that you do use it since it'll enable us to communicate easier..

Even if they don't, a simple PM will suffice.

 

[Cierra]

It's encouraged but not required. I can still PM them or post a private profile comment if something important comes up.

 

[Nebulous]

For me, I do. In order to be on any one of my staff teams a skype is a must have.

Looks like you'll never hire me, then 😛

I don't do skype.

 

[May Trainer]

I don't have Skype and use the pm on the forums and a staff-only node to talk about the forums...

 

[Kaynil]

Nah. I don't make Skype a must.
To be honest, I mostly use a Staff zone and PMs for staff related issues. Anything else is just for fun.

 

[Sharon]

Skype in many ways makes correspondence between staff members MUCH easier/more prompt. However, it is not something I've ever required. I prefer correspondence in the forum community any way. I find that many messages are lost in message boxes on Skype. ...when people post in the Staff board in a forum others are able to review correspondence with ease.

 

[Kino]

For me, I do. In order to be on any one of my staff teams a skype is a must have. It's just easier to talk to someone if they a skype, even though all I do is use the chat.

Do ya'll require a skype for your staff members?

 

[Kino]

For me, I do. In order to be on any one of my staff teams a skype is a must have. It's just easier to talk to someone if they a skype, even though all I do is use the chat.

Do ya'll require a skype for your staff members?

I wouldn't say Skype necessarily, but in a world with 24/7 communication, staff has to have a means of access to some sort of instant messaging service where if needed they can be contacted. Plus, I don't hesitate to give my cell number to folks sometimes if I'm needed for an emergency. Plus, most texting plans these days are free anyway. OR you can use any free instant messaging apps on iPhone/Droids as well.

There is no excuse for zero communication.

 

[milksheikh]

I wouldn't exactly make it a must, but I would surely want them to have it so we could communicate as a team 🙂

 

[Nebulous]

...in a world with 24/7 communication, staff has to have a means of access to some sort of instant messaging service where if needed they can be contacted. Plus, I don't hesitate to give my cell number to folks sometimes if I'm needed for an emergency. Plus, most texting plans these days are free anyway. OR you can use any free instant messaging apps on iPhone/Droids as well.

There is no excuse for zero communication.

Of course there is...

If your "forum-employee" is at work, spending time with family or friends, out grocery shopping or at the theater watching a movie (for example) the internet can wait. That is valid enough for "zero communication" when they're away from the computer.

I know I wouldn't want my phone buzzing away and making noises when Im out & about over forum related stuff nor would I want forum-related Skype messages popping up evey time I log into my computer.

 

[Kino]

...in a world with 24/7 communication, staff has to have a means of access to some sort of instant messaging service where if needed they can be contacted. Plus, I don't hesitate to give my cell number to folks sometimes if I'm needed for an emergency. Plus, most texting plans these days are free anyway. OR you can use any free instant messaging apps on iPhone/Droids as well.

There is no excuse for zero communication.

Of course there is...

If your "forum-employee" is at work, spending time with family or friends, out grocery shopping or at the theater watching a movie (for example) the internet can wait. That is valid enough for "zero communication" when they're away from the computer.

I know I wouldn't want my phone buzzing away and making noises when Im out & about over forum related stuff nor would I want forum-related Skype messages popping up evey time I log into my computer.

We beg to differ on this one then. 😉

 

[Nebulous]

...in a world with 24/7 communication, staff has to have a means of access to some sort of instant messaging service where if needed they can be contacted. Plus, I don't hesitate to give my cell number to folks sometimes if I'm needed for an emergency. Plus, most texting plans these days are free anyway. OR you can use any free instant messaging apps on iPhone/Droids as well.

There is no excuse for zero communication.

Of course there is...

If your "forum-employee" is at work, spending time with family or friends, out grocery shopping or at the theater watching a movie (for example) the internet can wait. That is valid enough for "zero communication" when they're away from the computer.

I know I wouldn't want my phone buzzing away and making noises when Im out & about over forum related stuff nor would I want forum-related Skype messages popping up evey time I log into my computer.

We beg to differ on this one then. 😉

Indeed. There's no legitimate reason to have 24/7 access to your forum staff. As long as they maintain a steady activity level, you should have no reason to bother them during their "offline time."

 

[Allenafaith]

I don't require it, but it is probably needed since we do have a skype chat.

I have been in a situation where I wasn't allowed to have Skype so I wouldn't want to not hire someone because they couldn't get one.

 

[leo2400]

I don't hesitate to give my cell number to folks sometimes if I'm needed for an emergency. Plus, most texting plans these days are free anyway.