What's the Hype Over Skype?

For months now I’ve listened to my friends discuss how they enjoy using Skype. I’ve sat and wondered in amazement about all the hype over Skype and what makes it so great! Clearly, I’ve never used it, but it was still worth learning more about the subject. The purpose of my blog this week is to discuss the phenomenon that is Skype.

According to Skype.com, it’s free software which works seamlessly with users’ current internet connection. People could chat away with free Skype-to-Skype calls and never worry about cost, time or distance. Skype can be used on a computer or on a person’s mobile phone (“Use Skype,” 2010). Just for starters people can instant message (IM) anyone on their contact list or even use group IM to chat with lots of people at the same time (“Use Skype,” 2010). Also, people could hold conference calls to organize a get-together and then find business recommendations to search for the perfect venue to hold it (“Use Skype,” 2010). The video features available on Skype enable people to make free video phone calls or even take pictures, as long as they have a webcam (“Use Skype,” 2010).

When Skype was founded six years ago, it was hailed as a way to change how people communicate with each other (Rosen, 2009). While the program, valued at 2.75 billion, is used regularly on TV shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, most publishers and booksellers agree that VolP (voice over Internet protocol) program is no replacement for live author appearances (Rosen, 2009). Still, a way to connect writers and their fans for free without paying for plane tickets and hotels is particularly appealing to publishers (Rosen, 2009). As with anything, there are some disadvantages to using Skype. First, Skype’s video quality can be spotty, with dropped connections and irritating time lags (Rosen, 2009). Plus, security can be problematic. If preferences aren’t set to exclude communication with people not in the user’s address book, a session can be interrupted with unwanted images and comments (Rosen, 2009).

It is my belief that the use of Skype will only increase in the future. Yes, there are issues that need to be worked out, but financially it appears that Skype is working in the best interest of its users. Would, I try Skype? Maybe, but I am not going to rush out right-away to connect with family, friends or co-workers. Skype seems to be a technology that’s fun to try but that would be the extent for me. I prefer face-to-face interaction in everyday life, versus Facebook, Instant Messenger, and yes perhaps even Skype.

References

Rosen, J. (2009). To skype or not to skype?. Publishers Weekly, 256 (50), 22-23.

Use Skype (2010). Get Connected. Retrieved from http://www.skype.com/getconnected/.