I got a new webcam (beta testing software that requires one) and have been testing it out. I'm on vacation, and wanted to touch base with a colleague in Canada about an upcoming project, and to catch up with him and what he's working on.
I noticed in my skype list that his skype listing had a camera icon next to it. So I gave it a shot. It changed the entire experience for me. I was talking to him about work, and we could see each other. It felt like I was really there with him. He even moved the camera around so I could see his office a bit.
What really hit me afterwards was that this could be a terrible or great thing when dealing with clients. It's easy too seem like you have it together over emails. But you create a much stronger connection with a person when you speak to them in person. When you're a freelancer working from home, you don't want them coming over to your place because that professional air falls apart when you're cats keep jumping on your lap...
on the other hand there are clients who want that face to face thing, and won't work with people they can't get to know. And frankly I like to know the people I'm working with. - and it's just not possible when your a country apart or both have busy schedules and deadlines to meet.
Except now it is. Or at least, it's getting there. For 50 bucks (Webcam) and skype (free) you can feel like your in the room with someone and work together. No commuting time, not phone bills. Nada.
Of course, it's not quite the same as meeting in person - and you can't wear your transformer's pajamas anymore while working, but everyone has to grow a little.
Just some random thoughts from the ether...
Digg it
Executive PJs
...you can't wear your transformer's pajamas anymore while working, but everyone has to grow a little.
By growing up, you surely mean transitioning to the LL Bean red flannel Executive model pajamas. See my user picture for how an old man looks in proper business PJs.
While I'm still waiting for my dang rocket car, an inexpensive video phone will do....
And don't forget the executive COW footwear
--Kathlyn
iChatting
A Few months ago I was in Kuala Lumpur for a show with my band (Milk inc.- http://www.milkinc.be) and was working on a commercial during my 'night shifts' at the hotel room.
Skype and communication
Filip,
As somone who has been using Skype long before it was released into the wild, I have to say that some of these technologies are absolutely awesome and the best thing is that they don't require everyone to be a technical genius. If this level of integration and enhancement becomes available for some of the bigger edit systems, it could really take off.
- Aanarav