[plug] Skype

[Tomasz Grzegurzko]

On 11/16/06, Brad Campbell <brad at wasp.net.au> wrote:
> Adrian Chadd wrote:
> > On Thu, Nov 16, 2006, Brad Campbell wrote:
> >
> >> If your machine has the required connectivity, Skype becomes a supernode
> >> and then the fun *really* starts.
> >
> > Just in case noone gets that: they make money off you..
>
> That is one way to look at it. I also chose to look at it another way.
>
> Prior to it being blocked by the monopoly provider over here, Skype allowed the majority of the
> population (Indian and Pakistani construction workers) who earn about the equivalent of $280 AUD per
> month to be able to stay in touch with their friends and family back home quite economically (read
> that as it allowed them to phone home *and* eat that month). To achieve that often requires the use
> of a supernode or two. So while you can reason that they make money from you (they do), you also
> benefit from their network and topology. If you use Skype then you are deriving benefit from their
> network, be it pc-pc for free, or pc-landline for far cheaper than you would pay using most other
> methods.
>
> You wanna use the network, you need to give something back.
>
> Up until about 12 weeks ago, Skype was the _only_ VOIP solution that made it through the countries
> extensive censoring firewall. Then they got that as well. I can still use it if I tunnel the login
> server protocol over a vpn to a machine outside the country, but it's a pain.
>
> There are a number of documents out there that detail how to prevent your machine becoming a
> supernode if you so desire (if you pay for your bandwidth it's a REAL good idea).
>
>
> Brad
> --

Try Skype in the UAE. You'll hit some nice blockages along the way,
despite the "impenetrable topology".

Tomasz