It was the dawn of a new era for Aberdeen City Council. For the first time, taxpayers could watch decisions being made in real time in a live webcast from the town house.
What would the citizens make of their elected representatives in action? More importantly, would our politicians manage to behave themselves?
Overall, it was a restrained affair, certainly compared with the type of pugilistic exchanges that have become the norm in recent years.
Prior to the meeting, most of the chatter was centred on which members would play up to the cameras.
Deputy council leader Marie Boulton certainly made an effort, decked out in bright red, presumably to ensure that no one would miss her.
Others decided that raised voices and histrionics were the order of the day. Tory Ross Thomson, never backwards in coming forwards, appeared to have practiced some hand gestures to ensure that viewers were left in no doubt about his passion and commitment to the city.
At the corners of the debating chamber, large screens displayed a ticking clock showing members how long they had to speak. Sadly, it was missing the sound effects that bring an element of drama to episodes of TV show Countdown.
Thank goodness for Alan Donnelly then, one of the more rambunctious members, who brought some levity to the early exchanges.
He attacked the Lib Dems with some zeal, rallying against what he described as “parochial procrastination” on a planning application for Countesswells.
There was also some welcome sparring during the debate on Marischal Square, with leader Jenny Laing jumping to her feet to defend the administration against claims made by Lib Dem Jennifer Stewart.
Not to be outdone, former leader Barney Crockett managed to squeeze a Marlon Brando impersonation into his contribution.
As theatre, this was more like it.
Although quite how many people were still viewing at that point, with the meeting edging towards its sixth hour, is another matter.