This is why we can’t have nice things.

We wanted to have a collegial weekly Zoom chat that any communicator could join without too much hassle. But on the April 9 chat, we were Zoombombed. And to be frank, it was pretty disgusting.

Moving forward, since we want to continue these chats, we have implemented some new protocols. Key among them: You will need to reach out to Neville or Shel for the login information (URL and password). You can email us or reach us through LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

Other steps we have taken:

• Only Neville and Shel will have screen-sharing ability
• When you sign in, you will be in a waiting room. Neville or Shel will admit you into the Zoom session
• You will start out muted

We regret these steps, made necessary by an unsavory corner of society. We hope to see our FIR friends and fellow communicators on Thursdays at 1 p.m. EDT — without interruption from the wretched underbelly of society.

About Shel Holtz

Shel Holtz, SCMP, ABC, IABC Fellow, is senior director of Communications at Webcor, a commercial general contractor headquartered in San Francisco. Before joining Webcor, Shel spent 21 years as principal of Holtz Communication + Technology. In addition to integrating technology into communications strategies, his expertise includes strategic communications planning, change management, organizational culture, business initiatives and communications research. Full bio