A form of communication we should be using more often

[Max-U52]

A lot of us are probably already using this, but for those who aren't (like me), you really should check out skype. Wayne and I just recently downloaded it and tried it out and it's very effective. Not perfect, but pretty good, and it's ABSOLUTELY FREE!! Wayne and I were on for over an hour and it didn't cost a dime. It's very easy to set up (which you should have known already if I can do it) and just about any laptop has a webcam and mic so that's all you need. Rather than send email back and forth with photos attached, I just pick up the item, hold it up to the webcam and say, "See right here? That's what I mean."

For solving problems it's always better to have two heads and skype makes it really easy for us to get together and brainstorm. If anyone just wants to do a test PM me and I'll help you try it out.

And yes, I thought it was pretty cool to be talking live, with video, to someone on a completely different continent. And not having to pay for it!

[Estnische]

Agreed Gary. FaceTime is also pretty handy.

[sevoblast]

I have used Skype for years and it's quite reliable although I do not have and will never have a camera on my computer. Just be aware that Skype, like any electronic media, is not secure,ergo do not post anything such as cc numbers or account numbers that should be confidential. Otherwise, have at it. Grand system and as posted, free.

[jarndice]

I am a bit confused when you say that "Skype" is free because I have a "Skype account and I regularly top up the money in that account to enable worldwide access.
It used to be free but it was bought out by "Microsoft" and they began charging for the service,
But it is still the cheapest way of talking to people overseas with the option of seeing them via a web-cam at the same time.
Shaun.

[sevoblast]

I don't use skype to call anything but another skype member. Always been free for me, both in US and in Russia. Instant messaging and skype to skype, I've spoken to tankers all over the world and costs nothing.

[43rdRecceReg]

Like Estniche, I use FaceTime. It's Apple's answer to Skype and other video-telephony tools that bypass landline phone systems. Skype- a Scandinavian concoction- worked well on a Mac before Ebay then Microsoft got their hands on it, in my opinion. Unlike FaceTime, though it is cross -platform. Facetime works pretty well between iPhones, iPads and Aye-macs (Scottish all-in-one .. ), but is Mac OS or IOS only.
Privacy is the big issue with all of these tools these days (even more so with social media).
Someone's always 'listening' these days.. and it may not be the person you're calling. "Careless talk costs...well, wives" in some cases )

[jarndice]

If you don't have money in your "Skype" account whether you only want to make "Free" Calls to other "Skype" users or you want to phone people without a "Skype" Account then "Skype" will shut down your "Skype" Access until you top it up,
Just because you may not be charged for certain calls you still have to have money in your account or your "Skype" access will be closed down.
Without any money in your account you wont have a "Skype" Connection.
Shaun.

[43rdRecceReg]

If you don't have money in your "Skype" account whether you only want to make "Free" Calls to other "Skype" users or you want to phone people without a "Skype" Account then "Skype" will shut down your "Skype" Access until you top it up,
Just because you may not be charged for certain calls you still have to have money in your account or your "Skype" access will be closed down.
Without any money in your account you wont have a "Skype" Connection.
Shaun.

Again, Shaun another downside to Skype use. 'FaceTime' is free (via the net) and from one apple product to another. 'WhatsApp' is also handy for messaging and sending small music and picture files. Like Skype, It's cross platform, but only works (free) through wi-fi on paid for internet accounts, or data capable cell/mobile phone accounts.
"...WhatsApp Messenger: More than 1 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world."..
I find it handy sometimes. So do terrorists, apparently.

[sevoblast]

I have had Skype since 2004. I use my system through the internet only. I don't have an 'I' pad, 'J' pad, 'K'pad, facebook, twitter, or whatever, I don't need them. My cell phone came from the Ark and still works fine. I have never paid one kopek for the Skype system. Skype for me and my lass is simply an instant messaging service with the odd computer to computer call via Skype. Laws may be different here, I don't know but I do know that when I was in US I did not pay for skype, either.

My cell service and 'net service is cheap. Full 'net service including my Etoarmor site is 1500 rubles a year, IOW about 27 dollars at today's rate. Cell service is pre-paid and I average about 200 rubles a month, IOW 4 dollars. I call my friend in Florida every Sunday and speak for about 15 minutes, he's going through a rough time. My per minute cost is about 3 cents for international and local is virtually free. That is the ONLY cost for my cell service.

I never trust any form of electrical communication to be secure, I don't care what they say or what programs I may or may not have on my device. We pay for cell service by walking down to Post and giving Post the cash which is put on the cell account right there in Post, in front of us. Net service is the same. Post gets virtually nothing for this service, it's kopeki.

[Max-U52]

I just thought it was pretty cool that when I was talking to Wayne he asked about the size of the motor in the Blitz and I was able to just pick the truck up and show him.

So far no one has said a word about giving any money to Skype so as long as it's free I intend to keep using it. I think it will be a great asset when it comes to working together with other tankers.