A couple days ago Ski and I tried out Google Hangouts for the first time. In addition to having a 3 way conversation with the developer of Run8 Selkirk/Mohawk just for conversation, we found some other advantages.
For example last night in both of our livestreams we had an open communication with each other. Though I don't think it was prototypical for communication between his job and me DS west end, I thought later at night it became very practical.
First we don't run 2 man crews often. But once Jon relieved me for the west side, we had open communication inside the cab. Both of us would call signals and confirm as well as switch positions etc. Having conversations about planned moves etc inside the cab I thought was prototypical as well. Of course communicating from cab to the ground probably should be done over text or a radio. Again 2 man crews are very rare.
This brings us to the other advantages. First a new user was trying to get info on how to run in RTS. I advised him to check out the live stream and we could answer questions in real time. This also reinforced the idea of having new users possibly ride with us and use a hangout if they would like. What this would allow us to do is communicate freely, ask all the questions in the world, and simply be a conversation between us. Yes I know TS is possible and is a possible tool. But TS is usually like a radio where you would say over, out, etc. Not ideal for learning vs the training mentioned here.
One final thing I do want to try is DS to DS communciations. Ski and I both agreed that having us together on a live stream while dispatching is probably a bad idea. However what I failed to think of at the time is what real dispatchers do when trying to communicate with one another. They get on the phone and give them a call. Personally I wouldn't mind trying this Thursday if Ski is up to it. Honestly there isn't that much communication needed as I often request signals by simply clearing a signal to BNSF Jct for example. That usually shows up on the alternate display. But sometimes the extra communication of plans or negotiating movements between desks can be talked about over the phone.