Conference Call Anyone?

[DJ]

I had the idea to check online for free (or cheap) ways to have a conference call, something that we could schedule to be a chat using the phone, and no worry about giving up your home phone number.  I could be done for cheap with a toll free number, and for free if everyone paid for their long distance.  If you have unlimited long distance, then it is free regardless for you.

So, I wanted your honest opinion.  I get a half dozen piss poor ideas for every mediocre one that I get.

DJ

[wigy]

like a party line everyone talking over everyone else ?? hum

[Brian]

I remember back in the "old" days, when the Internet was mostly BBS systems, finding ways to setup phone confs back when the phone companies wanted to charge an arm and a leg for their multi-user system. Those were simpler times, when kids playing around with technology were much less likely to find themselves in federal prisons.

I wonder if you could do something like this with Skype? I know my family has done conference calls with 5 or 6 different people using their computers and Skype. It takes a little up front communication (like, if you're using speakers, you need a way to mute the mic to prevent echoing, etc), but that might be a good way to do this on the cheap.

[Lurker]

wow now I really like that, to be able to really hear everyone. I know that most could not really afford it, but maybe there is a way that those of us that can could help those that couldn't.
                                     The Lurker

[DJ]

My first thought was the headset with mic that you could plug into your PC and yada yada yada...  Not everyone is technically inclined and it would create a nightmare when one person can not be heard, and somebody else's system is set to deafen the rest of us when they scratch their nose.

The only real route that I see as viable is using your regular phone.  Unlike days past, phone companies do not have a monopoly on this sort of technology.  Lot's of places do it, and it is either free, or very affordable.  It's free if callers pay their own long distance, and about 10 cents a minute if a toll free number is provided.  My goal right now is to find a toll free system that doesn't charge anything.  I am certain that it exists somewhere.

I will see what I can set up.  In the meantime, maybe everyone would like to decide on a time?  Plan on it taking me until Wednesday to get this working.

Derek

[Paz]

Can you imagine the chaos there would be if more than one person was manic during the conference call?!

[wigy]

that is what i am thinking -- i would not let anyone get a word in edge wise right now -- i would tell my whole life story ten times over and then again -- hahahahah -- ging

[high maintenence]

I just don't talk on the telephone anymore. I guess it seems to personal, like I just don't want that type of communication. When I'm typing, I have a chance to think about what I am saying and oh I promise you I would get so panicy with everyone all talking together at the same time.