Hi guys, can you please clarify what this page is about? I'm confused.
Thanks!

Fabi, I tried to write an explanation (above). If you have any questions, please let me know!
Roxy

I think the important thing to note here is that there are some costs with hosting/running this program... but, the program is FREE for all participants. The intent of this page to is to show you, in the case that you want to start your own program/network/business/etc, the potential costs you might incur.

Roxy & Mark, thank you very much for answering my question!

Fabi - I'm thankful to Mark for explaining and to you for asking because I now realize that this page was really confusing!

There are totally FREE teleconferencing services with high quality, voice recordings and unlimited numbers of callers. Do we need to pay $75 for this service?

Becky, you are absolutely right, there are more than a handful of free teleconferencing services out there. I had the pleasure of testing out quite a few :) I'll do my best to explain why I chose our service.

To achieve the level of quality we get with our audio (it will be a podcast in a few weeks) we need to use Skype. Standard telephony doesn't have the frequency range Skype does (that's why some people sounded like they were calling from a tin can on the first call). So we need a conference service that has a standard line and a Skype line. Our service also has a web interface that allows me to see all the callers, and instead of opening up the whole line to let one caller ask a live question (I did this on Tues on the first caller and got a TON of background noise) I can select just the person who's asking the question.

The overall audio quality of the service is better than any other service out there, and it also records a backup in case the hosts (person who is interviewing or moderating) recording failed. I've thought about other solutions, and ways around it, and there are a few. If for some reason we weren't able to come up with the $75, we could make due. If you haven't yet had a chance to check out Tuesday's audio only recording, it's up on our public site, www.alt-mba.com.

I hope this makes sense, and if you ever come across another conf. line that has both a Skype and landline, please send it my way. I'm certainly not married to HDConferencing.com and if there's something better, I'm all for it!

Good idea Becky. Why don't you recommend some free services?

Oh nevermind, I hadn't seen Matt's response.

I want to start a similar project. But i got overwhelmed by the variety of tools you use. Are these networks all necessary?

@ Andreas - Certainly not. I happen to be a technophile, and love to tie all these cool services together. I'm also shooting for top notch quality at low-mid level prices. There are free versions of almost everything we use, from BaseCamp to Ning, free WordPress Themes, free teleconference systems, free syndication, etc.

The only thing you'd really HAVE to pay for is hosting.

Also, you can simplify the systems as well. We're leveraging multiple forms of technology with a social network, a public blog, a podcast, a video channel and a dedicated conference line. Again, mostly at my behest because setting up these networks is a challenge/fun for me.

Thanks for the tips. I think we need a social networking site for communication i thought about ning. But i dont know what is better, start your one network or go on an existing network. For direct communication everbody has skype and email. Also we need a project management tool so we can plan our actions. I still dont get i how the wiki fits in. For what purpose do you need the wiki? Its a little bit of communication also some projectmanagement. What would be your advice for a simplified mix of platforms?

Hi Andreas, I'd be more than happy to set up a call with you so we can get into more detail. I'm on Skype, so email me at matt@gopherdogs.com with a few days/times that work best and I'll help you formulate a plan that works best for your situation.