REQUEST for creation of DU SkypeCast forum

[Poll_Blind]

Hello,

  Skype is a free program which allows computer users with broadband connections and microphones to communicate with each other, via voice, over the Internet. There are, and have been for years, programs which allowed users to chat via voice. However, with the introduction of SkypeCasts persons may go to the SkypeCast web page and create or join a "SkypeCast": A scheduled conference where participants may engage each other in verbal discourse(usually on a particular topic). This "real-time" verbal interaction is the most natural state of communication between two or more individuals and aside from cues displayed through body-language, represents a much clearer form of communication.

  At the time of this writing there are 6.1 million users throughout the world logged into and using Skype at the moment.

  I believe this is an extremely useful technology which will bring a here-to-fore unavailable dimension to Democratic Underground. The ability for users to communicate, conspire, collaborate and even build or strengthen relationships with those they strongy disagree in such a manner augments the excellent resource that Democratic Underground is and will be a powerful tool for those who choose to exploit it, as I hope we do, to our mutual benefit and personal growth.

  The intent of this forum would merely be a place where we could bring progressive SkypeCasts to the attention of other Democratic Underground users. It would require no more moderation than any other forum and would carry the same sort of risk that, say, a dating forum would. Democratic Underground's creation of this forum would in no way be an endorsement of Skype, the views expressed during Skype conversations or any way imply protection from harassment by persons wishing to disrupt conversation or intimidate Liberals discussing what we like to chat about most: How to clean up America and get this country moving forward again.

  If you believe this forum should be created, please respond to this message with a note of support

Thank you each for taking the time to consider this request,

Poll_Blind

WARNING: Because Skype is peer-to-peer communication, your IP address may be exposed, especially to savvy Internet users. Everyone considering using Skype should first make peace with the fact that communicating via this method could expose them (and their computers) to the scrutiny of undesirable, malignant personalities intent on harvesting such information for the purposes of personal intimidation. With the rancor currently in American politics and the contentious nature of both debates within our own party and outside of it, this potential liability should be given extra consideration.