Frequently Asked Questions About Worldwatch Live

How does Worldwatch Live work?

Worldwatch Live is not an open area for real-time chats among all users. Rather, it is an intelligent and lively moderated discussion—giving you a chance to ask questions and make comments directed to a Worldwatch researcher about a given topic.

Is a Worldwatch Live session really “live?“

Yes, the discussion occurs in real time. The Worldwatch researcher sits at his or her desk and answers your questions between 2 and 3pm EST on the scheduled day of the chat. During that time, when you submit a question, it will be sent to the session's moderator. The moderator and researcher will select questions to answer while the session is in progress. The questions and answers will appear as they are written. New answers will be posted every 1-5 minutes during the session. You may, however, submit questions up to one week in advance. If you do this, be sure to return at the allocated time to be part of the live discussion.

Who can participate?

Our sessions are web based. Anyone can submit a question online as long as they have web access and a reliable internet service provider.

What software do I have to download to participate in live discussions?

None. The sessions are web-friendly. Just click on the link labeled Submit a Question to type in your question. Since the sessions are web based, you can use either a Mac or a PC as long as you have a web browser and web access.

When can I submit a question?

You can submit your questions and comments up to one week before or during the discussion.

Why does the pace of the chat seem slow?

It all depends on the complexity of the questions received and the amount of time it takes to answer a question. If the researcher is providing a more in-depth answer, it may take a few minutes. Again, the time frame for new answers to appear on the page is about every 1-5 minutes during the chat.

How can I see the most recent responses?

You can hit "Reload" or "Refresh" on your browser.

Why wasn't my question answered?

We may have tough decisions to make given the limited time for each chat. We will try to take as many questions as we can. Some sessions get hundreds of questions and the researcher cannot get to them all. A few hints: Submit an original question. If we've already covered what you're asking, your question probably won't be used. Use proper spelling and grammar. We don't have time to edit the questions that are sent in.

Moderator's Note: Worldwatch moderators retain editorial control over Worldwatch Live discussions and choose the most relevant questions for researchers: researchers can decline to answer questions.

Where can I see past discussions?

We keep archives of past Worldwatch Live discussions, which you can find at www.worldwatch.org/live/discussion/archive/.

How can I make suggestions or comments for Worldwatch Live topics?

Write to us at worldwatch@worldwatch.org and submit your ideas.

What kind of discussion software do you use?

Our software is proprietary, written in-house and exclusive to worldwatch.org. The software is not available for licensing or purchase.