Why don't forums have a voice call option?

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Technology has come a long way ever since this forum was founded.

Internet speeds have improved a lot, and there are all kinds of apps that allow voice call, or video calls.

I just had the thought - why has this technology not been intertwined into forum software?

I understand that many posters like to keep their identity hidden for whatever reason, but if forum software developers don't want to be left behind, isn't it a function that you think should be added?

It could very easily be something that you choose to do, or not to do, and you could privately choose the posters you wish to be able to make calls to, or receive from.

Just thinking out aloud, anyway.

Thoughts ....?

[cyrille]

Thoughts ....?

fishlocker.

Forums such as this aren't a big part of the internet's future.

That's why the technology hasn't 'intertwined'.

How did the martial arts option go as a way to spend your time?

Surely there have to be better options than this.

[Luigi]

There was a skype option before under the user's Av, I remember AO and a few others had it, was a good way of stalking down their real life personal information then using it against them.

[PlanK]

If people want to VOIP each other there are, as you've already pointed out, a whole bunch of apps already made for that purpose.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

fishlocker.

Forums such as this aren't a big part of the internet's future.

That's why the technology hasn't 'intertwined'.

How did the martial arts option go as a way to spend your time?

Surely there have to be better options than this.

The doujo would not let me join.

Racism is alive and well in Japan - but I don't let it bother me as the up side of things make up for it.

Have been drinking a lot instead of doing karate

Will move back to Tokyo soon and re-join my old boxing gym, anyway..

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

There was a skype option before under the user's Av, I remember AO and a few others had it, was a good way of stalking down their real life personal information then using it against them.

Skype is too personal if you want to keep the anonymity that many forum posters enjoy.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

If people want to VOIP each other there are, as you've already pointed out, a whole bunch of apps already made for that purpose.

Yeah, but quite often you have a photo of yourself on your profile as they are used to keep in touch with 'real friends'

[Luigi]

^^ Yeah, though you could just have it linked to a skype account with some fake name, it doesn't have to be the one you use for skyping granny at Christmas.

[cyrille]

Would be a bit weird calling someone up and asking for Wally Dorian Raffles.

"The guy in the rabbit suit".

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

f

Forums such as this aren't a big part of the internet's future.

.

But surely the software developers don't want it to be this way?

A recent thread here speculated that forums will make a come back as anonymity is what makes them appealing. In this PC world we live in, you can't always post what is on your mind on places like facebook and twitter, as the PC babies will flame you relentlessly.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Would be a bit weird calling someone up and asking for Wally Dorian Raffles.

"The guy in the rabbit suit".

Not if that is the user name you are known as. Why is it so different than PMs?

And it's a dog suit

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

^^ Yeah, though you could just have it linked to a skype account with some fake name, it doesn't have to be the one you use for skyping granny at Christmas.

That would be inconvenient , if you like to have your real Skype account open for calls.

[cyrille]

Why is it so different than PMs?

I'm sure you're not really asking why calling you on the phone would be so different from sending you a pm.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

[Neverna]

Start a poll, Wally. Ask members if they want or would use a voice call option here.

I doubt I would. It's a forum. Want I want to say here I can either post on the forum or send by PM.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

I'm sure you're not really asking why calling you on the phone would be so different from sending you a pm.

Yes I am. Giving my phone number out to people I don't know in person is not something I am comfortable with. Besides, phone calls cost money, especially if you don't live in the same country.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Start a poll, Wally. Ask members if they want or would use a voice call option here.

I doubt I would. It's a forum. Want I want to say here I can either post on the forum or send by PM.

No need for a poll.

Just thinking out loud.

[David48atTD]

I wonder what Za sounds like ... be worth it just for that experience

[nidhogg]

I wonder what Za sounds like ... be worth it just for that experience

Like fingernails on a blackboard would be my guess.

But even worse - Tezza

[Dillinger]

Family comments just got real..

I can foresee Luigi receiving a few of these styled calls...

[Luigi]

Here's to wishing.



Some people do get awfully upset.

[Neverna]

You don't need a voice call option to think out loud. Or to post on forums.

[Dillinger]

It would be a lot more provocative though.

Especially with the dulcet oral tones of [at][at][at][at]


Lets get it on

[Luigi]

Some people say I have a little girly voice.





Don't hear it meself.

[HuangLao]

There was a skype option before under the user's Av, I remember AO and a few others had it, was a good way of stalking down their real life personal information then using it against them.

Indeed.
There are just too many malevolent factors attached, in this day and age, to create such a well intended positive and social viability.
It doesn't work that way. Especially among particular venue circles.

As we already now, many have suffered [in one form or another] from exposing themselves through public forums or other outside outlets -
And one never knows where the creepy weirdos may appear.

That's why anonymity has it's place.
There is a system already in place that allows respected members to exchange phone numbers/addresses privately, if they wish, or arrange to get together socially, have a couple of beers, or whatever.


Otherwise, it's all good.