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 :))
Comments
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 :))