Frequently Asked Questions – Virtual Ale

Ale Questions

Have I registered?
Well, have you? If you haven’t, go to the registration page. But do it soon! Registration closes at 11:59 pm CDT, Wednesday, May 20. If you’re looking for an automatic confirmation email, please stop holding your breath. The registration is nifty, but, alas – it doesn’t generate an auto email. If you got the page that said “Thank you for registering!” after hitting submit, you’re good. 

What do I need for the VirtuAle? PACKING LIST

  • Register for the Ale (by 11:59 pm CDT), Wednesday, May 20)
  • Download Zoom http://zoom.us/download 
  • Computer/Tablet/Phone/something with a screen
  • A device with a camera and microphone to join events via Zoom
  • Solid internet connection – wired, wi-fi, or cellular
  • An appropriate image to use as a Zoom background
  • A headset with microphone (bonus if it’s wireless and you can dance while wearing it)
  • Space to dance
  • Morris Kit, including pants/bottoms
  • An Ale shirt
  • Your favorite beverage
  • Snacks

Do I have to wear clothes? Do I have to wear pants?
Yes. If you have your video feed turned on during a Zoom meeting you must be clothed. Your Morris kit is a great option for clothing. An Ale shirt is also a great option for clothing. Now trending in fashion is pajama bottoms.

When should I be wearing kit?
When at an in-person Ale would you be in formal kit? Tours? Mass stands? Wearing your kit allows people to have a visual of what team you belong with. You can wear your kit during the corresponding moments at the VirtuAle. During meals, pick-up dancing, workshops and other “in camp” times, wear your new VirtuAle swag, or favorite Ale shirts from previous years, or your team t-shirt.

How do I join an event at the VirtuAle?
On Thursday, May 21, information will be emailed to the email address you provided when you registered. The email will include the Zoom Room links and passwords for all four rooms. To join, just click the link for the Zoom room you want to join and enter the password when prompted.

For the safety and security of the community, we are using waiting rooms in Zoom. Trusty Virtual Guides (room moderators) will be checking your display name against the registration list. Please make sure that your display name matches your registration as the Trusty Virtual Guides will only be granting access to rooms based on registration. “mom’s iPad” or “x7ybh” are not helpful names in knowing who you are.

I’m on a Marlboro team, how do I join my tour?
The Tour assignments and zoom links and passwords will be communicated via the Marlboro Morris Ale Organizers. Your squire will have provided the Marlboro Organizers with a list of your teammates. Please make sure that your zoom name matches what your Squire put on your team roster.

What if I change my mind about what workshop or session I want to join?
That’s just fine! You can jump back and forth between rooms. At an in-person Ale it’s common to alternate between pick-up dancing, singing, and hanging out. You can do that at the VirtuAle – just leave one meeting and enter another one. 

I’ve heard about some off-screen events, but where are they?
Off-screen events will be added to the https://midwestmorrisale.org/2020-ale/off-screen-events/ page throughout the Ale. 

These events are designed for you to do throughout the weekend away from your computer screen. There’s a lot of screen time happening already, and you don’t need any more. Take a break, walk away, and try one of our challenges. (You don’t have to register to participate.)

What do I do with the hashtags? Where is this going to show up?
Please tell everyone on your social media accounts what a fun time you are having at the #MidwestMorrisAle. Each of the off-screen events has its own hashtag as well. Look for updates to appear on https://midwestmorrisale.org/ throughout the Ale.
Our official hashtag is #MidwestMorrisAle.

Technology Questions

How do I download Zoom?
Zoom is a virtual platform that allows for video, audio, and screen sharing among groups of people. Zoom is free to download. Just go to https://zoom.us/download.

How do I add my team to my name in Zoom?
In your video window, look for the …, then Rename. Or in the Participants window, find yourself, hover over your name and click Rename. Your on-screen name is like the Ale badge. You can add your team, pronouns, and/or location. Whatever information you’d like to have on your badge.

How do I do that thing in Zoom?
Which thing? There’s a lot going on in Zoom. We hope that the May Jig Festival has given you a feel for how the VirtuAle will function on Zoom. If you want more assistance, Zoom has a lot of tutorials and resources at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697.