Ever wonder what the person on the other end of your computer looks like? Sometimes, like when I have insomnia and am playing Scrabble at 3 a.m., I’m grateful I can’t see them in their bunny slippers and robes, but there are times I wish there was a visual. I teach online, and it’s sometimes hard to tell in black and white whether a comment is serious or snarky. Facial expressions would make it a lot easier!
We have so far resisted getting a webcam because I have an incredibly beautiful 16-year old whose photo I don’t want passed around. Yet it might be nice to see Grandma face-to-face while they’re chatting with her, or be able to see Dad at work. I guess it’s like most any tool – it can be used or misused. It’s just that we hear of the misuse a lot more often!
If there was a webcam attached to my computer right now, you’d see me looking fabulous, with hair recently done, fit and trim, dressed to the nines, with a broad grin on my face. What? You don’t believe me? At least PART of that is true. You figure out which part. I wonder if I could Photoshop the webcam in real time?
For those of you who have put off getting a good webcam because of the price, now is the time to get one. ZipZoomFly has the Creative Labs cam on sale for $25 (down from $40), with free shipping. It gets even better, though. Through July 2, 2007, there’s a $25 rebate attached to it. After rebate, it’s free. This particular camera looks to be pretty good, quality-wise. Its photo captures are 640 x 480, and it’s an easy-install device (great for those of us mechanically-challenged). Get in on this deal and let all your chat and forum buddies see your beautiful face!