5130 - Google Groups, Google Docs, Google Talk, Jott, ooVoo, TalkShoe

I have long (several months/years is long, right?) been interested in free internet services, especially those that move communication via the internet toward the communication that comes with face to face interactions. These tools interest me on a personal level (staying in touch with family, keeping a digital record of my life) and on a professional level (collaboration with like-minded peers to research, create content, discuss current events, etc., especially when face to face collaboration is not possible).

I believe that these types of tools are necessary to allow those living in more rural settings to access the same level of exposure to different ideas that is of such value in the creative processes used to make advances in all areas of life. It should be noted that by 'rural' I am not necessarily speaking to those that live in communities with small populations. Those in urban areas that do not have access to varied educational, political, and social events are also living in a 'rural' community of sorts. I don't think it is too much of a stretch to say that the majority of us (the people in the world) live in a ideologically rural settings. I believe there is great value in being humble enough to recognize the strengths of other cultures and the weaknesses of our own. There is also great value in being wise enough to act to change those behaviors in ourselves that are detrimental to our own progress as well as the progress of those around us.

So back to the point, perhaps. The problem I find with tools like this is that everyone has their own favorite, which makes it less than helpful when trying to work together. Recently, instant messaging services have been created that allow users to use one platform to connect to people that are using a wide variety of other platforms. This type of go-between would be of great value with voice communication software, document software, etc. It is frustrating to have to keep track of so many different passwords and programs. TalkShoe seems to be on the right track by allowing others to join the call without registering, but still requiring the call to be set up by a registered member. This gives them some necessary control over the flow of content on their site. More of these services should be set up this way.

And as one final note, it looks like my Jott post worked after all. I was not impressed with their instruction on adding Blogger as a service, and so requested that the account be deleted. I then tried one last time to dig up more instructions, and found where I was going wrong. I may sign up for a Jott account again sometime.