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March 20, 2006
Skype Me at: moviecapital
In the days before cell phones became standard, everyone would go all goo-goo eyed over a portable phone. Now that cell phones are common place and the quality of service has barely improved, people are looking for an alternative to talking on their cells or regular phones.
The newest, hip thing (to use an old expression) is Voice Over Internet Protocol, or telephone services through the internet. Leading the advertising movement in VOIP is Vonage, with television commericals on nearly every channel and pop up and banner ads galore. But the real innovator is Skype, and as recently shown by their 10 Billion minutes sold, and they're doing really well.
Skype offers free computer to computer calls from anywhere in the world with their software. Just plug in a microphone and speakers, sign up for an account after downloading Skype (the software) and you're ready to go. How does Skype make any money? They make it possible to call real phone numbers (land line and cells alike), and sell minutes in chunks of 10 Euros. Calls to almost every country in Europe and North America, plus Australia, are only 1.7 Euros a minute, while rates are nearly as low for other countries. The amazing thing is that while it costs you 1.7 Euros to call out from your computer, no matter who you are calling, it counts as a local call for them.
The other way two ways Skype makes money are selling phone numbers and voicemail. When you have a SkypeIn number, your friends who don’t have Skype, can call a regular phone number and you will receive the call on your computer. Skype sells these numbers at 10 Euros per 3 months, or 30 Euros per 12 months. Voicemail is also availible but is free with the purchase of a SkypeIn subscription.
Since we last reported on Skype, our dear friends at eBay just purchased them for 2.6 Billion Dollars. Next? I have agressively used Skype for expanding my network of contacts in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Our suggestion at What's Out Next is that you visit the Skype page, download the free software and start the magic!
While those people who still haven't used a cell phone and shirk the internet, Skype and other VOIP services may just be a Bicycle Race, but it's more than that, it's what's out next!
Posted by mitchsantell at 01:04 PM
March 13, 2006
The Power of Music, My Dad and Marty's Music!
On September 18th 2004 one of the greatest people I ever met, passed away. That person was my Dad and he had a profound and important influence on our family and to all those who loved him and who he loved. So much of my love for the music busines and my passion for the artist comes from my Dad, Richard Alfred Santell.
Today I received a lovely email from a lady by the name of Anita DeHart. She remember's you Dad, in her email to me she said "didn't your Dad play the 45's before we bought them?" Anita, the answer is yes!
From 1955 until 1975 Marty's Music, owned by both my Dad and my Grandfather. Along with my Cousin Jimmy they happily served thousands of customers as they would walk in the store and say to my Dad, "Hey Richdard I just heard a song on the radio where they sing I love you. Can you tell me what song that is?" My Dad used to say to me "Son, do you realize how many songs have the phrase I love you in it?"
Dad, just know we think about you everyday and we are always by your side For us at What's Out Next our take is Dad is still here!
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Posted by mitchsantell at 07:55 PM