Why I Don't Skype

by Rob Wilson Internet Marketer

People often ask me to Skype. Or why I don't Skype. They say it's easy to get, easy to understand, it allows you to connect to more people etc. etc. I feel I am pretty accessible - many of my sites have direct support tickets mechanisms and/or email contact info. I have gmail. I have GoogleTalk. I have Facebook, Twitter, ApSense, ImFaceplate, am on several Ning network and on other social networks and a few forums. I've a blog with a comments feature I've used other chat systems - Windows Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, ICQ, for various needs. I've used team chat and chatted in traffic exchanges publicly. I have a cell phone for my super close friends and business associates. I even have postal mail - oh my! I'm not unreachable.

And I have felt that many of the methods listed above can serve the same function as Skype. But with the phone call aspect of it I am a little uncomfortable. Not because I have a wacky sense of humor that not everbody immediately understands. Sometimes I post a comment somewhere and people don't understand the joke till weeks later. And then I'll get 20 private messages from different people telling me how funny it was :). Sometimes people immediately get it - and I like that too :) But I don't like Skype because I am a little awkward verbally in real time. When I have the time to craft a message, even if I have the time delay that you can in a typed chat sometimes, that helps. But speaking is different and a different part of the brain too. So I haven't wanted to do Skype or the VOIP programs that came out pre-Skype either.

Part of the reason I was excited about online marketing is that it gives me the chance to be successful. When you hear me speak, I may not be the most compelling guy in the world. But when I'm online, it's not about that - the playing field is levelled and it is more about the printed word and the cool graphics and splash pages. That's why we have the avatar contest - cause it's not about how exactly we look - it's about what we're putting out there online - what we are creating, what we are making for ourselves.

So - you probably won't hear me on Skype - but you will most likely catch me online somewhere.

Rob

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About Rob Wilson Internet Marketer

164 connections, 4 recommendations, 346 honor points.
Joined APSense since, December 15th, 2008, From San Jose, United States.

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Created on Aug 31st 2010 08:03. Viewed 497 times.

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Comments

JOSEPH C.

Procurement Officer
Hi Rob, Great idea! It helps you improve your network of contacts, it builds an audience for your ideas and it allows you to establish expertise in the field.
Aug 31st 2010 08:16

Enamul Huque

SEO Specialist
I like skype. It's very helpful for communication. Voice quality is the best. Skype directory may brings your extra business.
Aug 31st 2010 08:28

Dawie Bezuidenhout

Systems Engineer I.T.
Hi Rob, i only use Skype to connect with family and close friends that live far from my location. I have used it in my offline business as well, but then this customers also know me, we have met and it doesnt seem akward starting a conversation. I do Skype with some of my online contacts, but only after months of texting. I also prefer using some of the other methods you mentioned. Sometimes i have to talk to more than one person at the same time, training sessions and such, this is when i prefer texting. Nice Blog.
Sep 2nd 2010 16:18

Eric Youle

Smart Media Representative
Interesting - I have used SKYPE for some years. Make use of many of its features - not just the computer-to-computer service. Calls to landlines, overseas calls, phone numbers in the US, UK and AUS.

As someone with a hearing problem, I have found SKYPE voice quality superior to our Cordless Landline. The video feature is helpful, not to mention the ability to fall back on the text chat mode if the going gets tough.
Sep 2nd 2010 20:27

Warren Contreras

Easy Does It
Interesting viewpoint Rob, but you are missing a few reasons why I think Skype is indispensable for making money online. I hardly ever use it for voice or video, but I text chat with it every day. It organizes my conversations and keeps everything for a YEAR, so I don't forget what we said. If they are having problems, I can screen share with them and get to the solution quicker. I have it on 24/7 so they can leave a message I can answer later and it never gets shoved into an email spam trap never to be seen. I have probably established more solid contacts with people who are action takers on Skype than any other tool I use, and in less time.
Apr 16th 2011 07:22

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