"It’s annoying when the Skype phone starts ringing randomly"
You mean like, uh, when someone phones you normally? my counter view is that I hate it when people send me a chat saying "hey are you free for a phone call". Am I signed into Skype? Yes. That means I am probably able to take your call. Sheesh :)
I think the difference is he is an average user who leaves skype on all the time, whereas you (and I like to do this too) only use it when you have time to use it.
Just because Skype replicates most of the functionality of a phone, it's not required that we import the bad parts from the phone.
I guess the difference is really whether you consider Skype an IM that's also a phone, or a phone that has IM. You're in the last camp, Arrington (and myself, for that matter) is in the first.
I'm not entirely in disagreement - but I dislike the idea of it becoming ettiquette. Me pressing call is the bit where I check if you're available.
Part of the problem is that it's not always simple to silence a Skype call (like you could a phone) if you're busy. But then you also have the option, unlike a phone, of marking yourself as busy.
That last bit is, for me, the better innovation :)
(BTW constantly asking permission is a common grip of mine; "can I ask a question?" is one of the most annoying things in the world :))
I see what he is trying to get across - but ''the vast majority of the time'' you're going to be free. Complaining that people don't automatically IM you before starting a call is silly...
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"It’s annoying when the Skype phone starts ringing randomly"
You mean like, uh, when someone phones you normally? my counter view is that I hate it when people send me a chat saying "hey are you free for a phone call". Am I signed into Skype? Yes. That means I am probably able to take your call. Sheesh :)
I think the difference is he is an average user who leaves skype on all the time, whereas you (and I like to do this too) only use it when you have time to use it.
Just because Skype replicates most of the functionality of a phone, it's not required that we import the bad parts from the phone.
I guess the difference is really whether you consider Skype an IM that's also a phone, or a phone that has IM. You're in the last camp, Arrington (and myself, for that matter) is in the first.
I'm not entirely in disagreement - but I dislike the idea of it becoming ettiquette. Me pressing call is the bit where I check if you're available.
Part of the problem is that it's not always simple to silence a Skype call (like you could a phone) if you're busy. But then you also have the option, unlike a phone, of marking yourself as busy.
That last bit is, for me, the better innovation :)
(BTW constantly asking permission is a common grip of mine; "can I ask a question?" is one of the most annoying things in the world :))
Post your Skype name and I will make it a point to call you 3 minutes before your important, 4-way conference call.
Oh come one; that's a complete straw man.
I see what he is trying to get across - but ''the vast majority of the time'' you're going to be free. Complaining that people don't automatically IM you before starting a call is silly...