[plug] Skype

[Daniel Pearson (Flashware Solutions)]

Tomasz Grzegurzko wrote:
> 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".
>
That's where he is ;-)