Camera 8
Camera 8
As if I don’t spend enough time on camera. (Actually, there are quite a few people who work in TV news who feel they never get enough time on camera.) My son got me a web camera for Christmas so I can chat with him and our relatives everywhere. At Fox Chicago, we have five cameras in the studio and Cam 6 in the newsroom. I figure I work on Camera 7 whenever I’m out in the field so I refer to the newest location as Camera 8. Besides, many Asians love the number 8. In Chinese, the number sounds very close to the word for “prosperity” so, “Hello, Camera 8!”
My parents are senior Skypers!
Within a day of setting up my new web cam, I had a Skype account so I could start videochatting away. The best part has been teaching my parents to Skype, too. They had never used the built-in cameras on their laptops! They are clearly enjoying their novel new communication tool since we can Skype with relatives in Hong Kong or anywhere for free! It’s also nice to “see” my brothers more often and I may soon do a video chat with journalism students at my alma mater, the University of Oregon.
Of course, Oprah talked up Skype almost a year ago. I’m behind! I better go see what’s on her book club list.
Hi Nancy! You’re totally right! I’m just surprised at how few people have caught on to Skype and VOIP (as it’s called) both on the professional and personal area. I’m in country number 10 now (actually in Asia right now!) and with two small kids it’s a big issue that grandparents and family miss out on the contact with the little ones. Skype and iChat (though that’s more difficult as both would need a Mac) make such a difference!!!
Even for companies, I’m fascinated that business haven’t implemented this in a major way. When I worked in Dubai at Nokia we had a great big screen with a camera, etc, which would cost an arm and a leg to use… and they just bought it recently! That’s a technology company, but even other major blue chips companies still work like that.
The pace of change in technology makes it difficult for everyone, especially the older generations, to keep up. But things trickle in gently and soon enough the tide sweeps you along. Sometimes it’s hard, but others it is a sweet and good surprise! Here’s to a great New Year!
Hi Nancy,
My cousins found us on Facebook (after not being in touch for over 10 years) and they are the rural area of the Phillipines. We quickly realized that we could Skype and set up accounts the same day, New Years Eve. Now they are in my kitchen in Barrington almost every night. I can’t believe the technology. It sure does make the world smaller.
I love technology. It’s like living in the Jetsons world except no flying cars yet
Too many things to keep track of now. Skype is on the long list of things to do. By the time I get around to learning each new wave (yes I am on google wave also for some reason) then the things I just learned how to use are already obsolete.
Next year the Ducks will win the Rose Bowl.