This is Jeff writing:
As we all know, the internet is the greatest invention since orange juice flavored breakfast cereal(thanks, Al Gore) and it is high time the Foster Clan started using the "net" to it's full potential.
I recently took part in a 5 way "Skype" session with many members of Angie's family and it was a blast. It was like we were all in one room chatting, instant messaging, watching family videos and having some laughs. It was awesome! For the uninitiated, Skype(and I'm sure there are other services) is totally free and allows you to have a video conversation with 1 other computer, or an audio only conference call conversation with up to 5 computers-and it's all for free! That's right, totally free.
Skype makes it's money by charging to call real phone lines from your computer. All you need to use Skype is a computer, high-speed internet connection and a microphone and/or webcam. It's possible to get a half-way decent webcam with built-in mic for under $50!So here is my full proposal:
1. All Foster family households purchase a mic and/or webcam.
2. All households download Skype and sign up for an account at skype.com and clicking on "download." It's totally free and easy to set up and use. After you get signed up, you can add friends and family members to your contacts and then calling them is a piece of cake.
3. We all enjoy talking to each other(not conference calls, though) using our "video" phones whenever we want. It will be like StarTrek.
4. Once a month on a Sunday evening (maybe the 1st Sunday of the month?) Adam goes to Drew and Kristen's and Matt and Wendi go to Mom and Dad's and we all have a super fun Skype session. Everyone could take turns updating everyone else on events and we could discuss family plans, debate heated political issues(or not) and crack some funny jokes. The dynamic of having everyone able to converse as if we were sitting around the dining room table in Denver is really cool, trust me.
I really think that this could be a fun way to stay in touch and enjoy each other's company more often than when we can all get together in person, which distance and schedules make difficult. I don't think this should or will replace the blogs. In fact, it will enhance them because it will increase communication and give more reason to post thoughts for discussion and video and pictures for sharing. I have some more specific ideas about how to structure our monthly sessions, but I will leave that for another time. Please comment on this post to let me know what you think.
Jeff(not Mark)
5 comments:
I have a roomate that uses googletalk or gtalk or something like that, but he talks to his family, people in China, friends from home, etc all on his computer for free. I am for it. I don't have a computer but I can go over to Drew and Kristen's, and I have also been thinking that I need to get one of my own here. I just need a little money. Great idea!!!!!
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We really like the idea. Our only concern is the installment cost AKA the buying of the equipment we will need. We are determined to find some computer nerd or nerds who can hook us up with some serious deals. All systems are go from here.
Drew and Kristen
Skype? Sounds more like "hype" to me!!
J/K. Sounds like a cool idea. I'll see if we can't dredge up a place in Worland, Wyoming to buy a webcam.
We could set a time on Sunday afternoons, possibly?
Do you ever get the feeling that, day by day, our society is conforming to the vision and life of George Jetson and Family? All we need now are flying bubble cars . . .
We love it! Ty and I have talked about something like this a time or two and have just never initiated anything.
We have a videophone with my parents and grandparents...the problem with it, though, is that you can only talk to other people with these pretty expensive videophones (my parents bought ours). Expense aside, we have loved it. It gives family a chance to see Max in more than pictures and get a feel for his personality. Especially with the kiddos, I love this idea.
This sounds so great and we are excited to get it started! This will be the best of both worlds - the videophone with a LOT less cost! Good job, Jeff and Angie! Ty and I will start looking this weekend.
P.S. everyone...we bought our plane tickets for this summer!!! We are so excited to see all of you in Iron Springs! :)
Dana, Ty and Max
Jeffer and Angie,
I officially name you the new "Idea Man" for the fam. Mark had that important and instinctive role for many moons, but obviously he is losing it as one has to ask why didn't the Markster come up with such a brilliant idea.
The Denver Fosters are a go on this. However, being technolgically challenged you mother and I worry we can actually pull this thing off. Maybe Megger can help us.
We'll give it the old college try but may need help. Did you get your web cam at Radio Shac? Can you give me the specific camera you got as we will get the same.
It will be a lot of fun and now ai understand that only one on one will work with the video camera but the audio can be 5 different sites. Is that right? Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, Worland and Provo? Right?
Great idea, Jeffer. Keep the ideas coming. Mark......you're fired!! (what show is that from)
dad
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