I do realise why video conferencing has been a bit of a hit during the current epidemic (even my 83-year-old mum, a technophobe to the ends of her toes) has embraced her iPad and surprisingly(!) doesn't have any technical problems when she wants to use something, but I hate them.
Years ago, I got to use something called Halo in anger (http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press_kits/2008/halo/products.html) - it was brilliant, but being HP incredibly badly marketed! It was as close to a real meeting place as I have seen (and this is >10 years ago, not that I have looked hard since). Many of the social norms (who for god's sake looks straight into the eyes of a presenter?) were maintained, and the relative expense made sure that the meetings were tight - although the benefits of not having to attend meetings in Palo Alto from the UK more than made up for it.
Now I simply refuse to use or sanction video conferences for meetings unless absolutely necessary - and then it is only because a customer wants it - running a small company across three EU sites and one non (the UK although for how much longer?), we rely on shared documents and voice with a tight agenda - and it works. meetings are short enough and productive.
My mum carries on - although I always just use voice - but then she has grown tired of my face over 53 years!
Just say no for business.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
