Voice comments

[Valjeanne Jeffers]

What's the deal with voice blogs? Are those numbers free that they provide for you to call in, leave a voice comment and post it to your page? I've been thinking of using them for an audio blog.

[Philippa Ballantine]

The two services I know of are k7 http://www.k7.net/ and GrandCentral http://www.grandcentral.com/support/howitworks/ I use k7 for my voicemail call in, just because GC didn't offer the service to overseas people like myself. The quality of k7 is OK, but you can tell it was phoned in. My feedback show might be worth a listen to see what comes out the other end of the voicemail line http://www.chasingthebard.com/?p=167

[Valjeanne Jeffers]

Thanks for the feedback:) Are these services free?

[P.G. Holyfield]

Grand Central is free, but when I signed up you needed an invite (the site is still in beta). K7 is free for the owner of the number (I believe). In both cases, people will be calling a non-toll-free number, so the caller is charged accordingly.

While these services are great for podcasters that need a voicemail line that listeners can call, I believe your question was about a plug in for your blog so people can leave messages directly on your blog. The one I've seen (and plan on adding to my site once I upgrade my wordpress tomorrow) is wagwire - http://wagwire.com - it seems to be free.. haven't researched it thoroughly yet though.

[Valjeanne Jeffers]

Thanks for your feedback. I've been using snapville and I'm going to post it on my blog, and page. So far it's pretty cool. I'm concerned about any hidden charges. they say it's free but....?

[Thinkingcaveman]

In my plan I am going to utilize Skype - the basic service is no cost. I intend to have an extended use for the Skpe product. The annual cost is inexpensive enough for me to deal with it for a year to four years without worry.

To be honest I have spent more for a night out on the town that Skype will cost me for two years. It can be a great fan builder allowing them to have a 'phone number' to contact you at. It also opens up other types of contacts to have access to you.

To keep it simple the phrases Skype in and Skype out refer to this Skype in - means someone has a 10 digit number to call you and leave messages. Skype out means you can use your computer with the Skype software to dial anyone in North and South America - it also allows you to call anyone in the world for a low rate (I think it is $.02 a minute)

[Valjeanne Jeffers]

Thanks for your feedback :)! I read the fine print -- at least what was printed (laugh) at the snapville site -- and they've promised no nasty surprise although long distance charges could apply. I've got free long distance so as long as it's ld in the US not a problem.