Resource: Skype
Lately, I’ve been using Skype FREE internet telephony to talk with people around the world–I’m interested in learning Chinese, so what better way than to talk to people in China? I got involved by posting a profile at this language community site (also free). It’s been an enormously fascinating and enjoyable experience.
Remember the fantastic visions of video phones and flying cars? Well free voice, video and text messaging is available via Skype, and who needs flying cars anyway? Perhaps a service could be developed to share dreams somehow; that would be interesting!
So… If Skype service is free, WHY do I need a telephone at all??? We’ve certainly had enough “phone spam” from fund-raising phone banks around here lately… Perhaps the telephone will go the way of the telegraph; I’m sure some government conspiracy will develop to tax communication no matter the medium…
Posted in Chinese Language, Skype, Resource |
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January 15th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
You need a telephone/cell phone so you don’t have to stay chained to a computer at all times in order to communicate with family and friends. Furthermore, Skype cannot make emergency calls. Also, if your power goes out and you have to make a call then you cannot with Skype. Are you just going to yell out the window and hope someone hears if you chop off your arm? Good luck with that.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Good points, but with computer sizes shrinking and their usage and impact on our lives increasing at exponential rates, I still think telephone as we know it is on the short list of things to go; TV as well: the writers’ strike is only a preamble…
Fascinating what the future brings us, is it not?
January 16th, 2008 at 12:08 am
It is rather interesting to me to hear you say that. When I first met you, you were rather insistent about being anti-technology in many ways. You did not have a computer, the internet, long distance, a cell phone, etc. Now, you would be in real trouble if you did not have those four things. In fact, all four things are essentially requirements for your everyday living. But yes, computers are getting smaller and I am sure wifi will be everywhere in a few years. As it is, cell phones can access the internet so you can shop, do banking, check weather, stocks, and get directions - so we’re really already there. As to television (and music), I am sure some form of evolution will take place with media in the future - it already has in many ways. You can not only download music online but also tv shows and movies (legally, even). Furthermore, things like YouTube and blogs are changing the way people get information.
January 16th, 2008 at 9:42 am
I suppose my way of life has changed some… One goal was to insulate myself from the world. However, even though I did not own any of those four items I was using the functionality they provided via other means (e.g., using the internet on campus), so in a way I have increased my independence by obtaining these vehicles of communication for myself such that I have greater control over their usage.
I agree that the change is in progress. It was just one of those *moments of insight* that I had when speaking to someone halfway across the world for FREE that induced me to think about just how much the business models of communication that have been prevalent (and successful) over the last half of the 20th century will be changing–and soon.
January 16th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Your way of life has changed drastically from when you were single. Previously, you mentioned that obtaining those items was like chaining them around your neck for you to drag around like onerous burdens. It is interesting to hear you say now that they contribute to your independence - I think that is great.
January 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I love my computer (couldn’t live without the insta-knowledge available through the internet); but I always feel like the cell phone that my wife insists that I carry is a tether. I feel a pang of dread every time it rings…
January 17th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I certainly know what you mean, Myrmior; I used to feel that way all the time… Even now, often times I won’t answer unless I am expecting a call, otherwise I’ll just wait to hear a voicemail. It is too disruptive and I try not to let my current thinking get derailed by unexpected events such as phone calls. I do like having a cell phone for emergency purposes though…