Skype Tips & Tricks

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Permalink Reply by Deirdre Kent on July 26, 2008 at 20:52

I am somewhat astonished at the potential for skype chats and conference calls in the development of local activity. Hub groups could meet this way when the weather is inhospitable or the distances rather too long, subgroups like the food group or the local currency group could be in a constant chat. This will keep the energy high and maximise activity. It will support all physical meetings but of course never replace them. Being on a group chat is great and members shouldn't leave the chat but just close it after they have bookmarked it. Then at any time you can go back and see what others are talking about and contribute or ask questions.

Skype can't replace websites which are permanent records but they supplement them wonderfully. It sure leaves google groups for dead. At any time you can print off the chat record. And when you are on a conference call (10 people or less with audio, easy to start and add people) you can also have a chat open to keep a record of what was agreed or learnt.

Skype contacts are permission based. In other words you have to agree to others having access to you and you should set your preferences so as to avoid spam, which is quite possible.

You can search for anyone by name or by email in the skype users. There is more to learn yet but the two tutorials I have been on have been super. There were people on today with pcs, others with macs and one with a linux. So far the one with the linux hasn't succeeded but we hope she will be in the loop soon. People seemed delighted today and yesterday with the potential of skype for their transition town work, their other work, their family communications and their hobbies of various sorts. I think we are only just touching on what is possible.