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Skype--or Hype???

A computer expert once told me that technology becomes obsolete every three months and that computer experts must update their knowledge base continually.

Well, I'm not a computer expert by any means, but this past week I updated my knowledge base by signing up for Skype. What is Skype? It is a tool whereby I can talk to relatives and clients in any part of the world via computer and free of charge.

I first got introduced to Skype through my cousin who lives in Italy. She has it on her computer and frequently calls me using a headset and a microphone. When both parties are on Skype, both use headsets and a microphone and both get free service. When only one party is on Skype, then that party pays a very low fee to dial a normal telephone.

I had frequently considered signing up for Skype, but I saw no real personal need for it - until this past week when I received an email from a potential coaching client in Thailand who wants to hire me as her life coach. Given that the cost of extended phone calls would be exorbitant, she suggested I sign up for Skype. So I did.

Once I did, I began to realize the enormous potential this tool holds for us writers. Skype enables you to interview people all over the world live via a headset and a microphone. You can talk with them in real time, as you would over the phone, but it would cost you nothing.

So let's say you propose an idea to an editor to write a profile of a well-known missionary or pastor on the other side of the globe. If you have Skype, you could arrange for a live interview with that person. Amazing, isn't it?

While I'm not saying everyone should use Skype, I would encourage you to explore its possibilities for enhancing your writing.

And that's my "musing that matters" for today. What's yours? :)

Blessings,

MaryAnn

P.S. If you have not yet subscribed to THE TOPNOTCH WRITER, I encourage you to do so. Our subscriber base is exploding as Christian writers from all over the world are committing to allowing Holy Spirit to empower them for service. To sign up for your free monthly issue, send a blank email to topnotchwriter@aweber.com.

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Copyright 2008 by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This blog entry may NOT be reproduced, reprinted, or published in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may, however, forward it to others, but please do so IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your cooperation.

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