Skype
From TalkShoe Wiki
Skype (currently at version 3.0) is a application that acts as a way to IM or call other people that have a Skype client, or it can be used to dial outbound calls by SkypeOut (varying from US$0.021 per minute to US$2.142 per minute). It can also be used for file transfer, short message service, and video conferencing. Skype is used as a method of keeping in touch with TalkShoe users as it is their preferred mode of communication because of the voice aspect. This allows users to talk over VOIP and keep in touch with each other. It can also be used to dial into TalkShoe, but since the dial-in point is not a toll-free number, it may cost money to connect using SkypeOut. Currently ooVoo can dial telephone-numbers for free, though it plans to introduce fees to its plan. It lacks the ability to dial IP's which rival project Gizmo Project has and it is also considered a resource hog.
[edit] Uses
Skype can be used to dial into the TalkShoe bridge using SkypeOut, but because it's an ordinary telephone number, it can run up quite a bill of $919 per year. SkypeOut offers pretty good quality but is also subject to the technical difficulties of the Skype service. Another thing it is used for is the communication of people who aren't currently on a TalkCast. Since users use the VOIP side of Skype, they can instantly connect and talk about what happened, if something is bothering them, etc. They can also use the IM part to post links, chat and also describe stuff in detail. Mainly Skype is used as a communication outlet for all Shoe'rs.
