One of the neat things the participants are doing is something called "skyping". Not real familiar with "skype" but it appears to be a software that you download and use to make free calls to other skype users. Recently, they did a "open mike skypecast" uke get together -- with players sharing a few pieces with each other.
I too put off installing Skype for over a year. I’m glad I finally took the plunge. I’ve been using it for about 2 weeks or so and about 90% of the connections have provided clear reception with the occasional breaking up that I refer to as sounding like “Darth Vader”. As Konabob professes, yes, you can kanikapila with a buddy via Skype but it can be tricky because of a slight delay. But with a little patience it can work. It is definitely better than talking on a regular phone with it crammed against your ear while trying to place something for someone on the other end of the line. Using a headset leaves eliminates that hassle factor.
I participated in the Ukecast/Skypecast open mic on Saturday. It worked MUCH better than we expected. The two hosts of the Ukecast worked their tails off trying to make it all work as smoothly as possible. There were a few minor glitches when trying to unmute the next performer etc. but all in all it was a huge success.
If you have a webcam you can actually communicate via live video. I have been seeing and communicating with people from all over the globe that previously I had only communicated with via email or forums like this one.
Here is some information regarding hardware etc. The program is free and until the end of this year you can actually call a regular landline for free. My out of pocket cost was $100. I picked up a Logitech headset ($40) with built in mic and a Logitech Viewcam for ($50). It is highly recommended you use a headset. This is because if you use your computer speakers when the person you are talking to talks it comes out your speakers and back into your mic and then they hear a repeat of everything they say. This is really annoying. Sometimes you can turn the speakers around the other way and it can help but the headset is the way to go.
Definitely something to consider but keep in mind it is just another thing to keep you strapped to your computer which maybe you don’t want. But don’t fear……the novelty factor wears off quick so you can then just use it as needed. Dominator
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Posted - 09/10/2006 : 7:29:22 PM
