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Party on the Cheap…
OK, it’s too late to save you money with this post THIS holiday season, as we’re about out of it as we write this. But save this one for the next time you say to yourself, “it’s about time I threw a swell soiree for friends…but a party is gosh-darned expensive.”
Not anymore friends—as long as you have a computer with a web camera (and most come with one now). We’ve been enjoying SKYPE parties the last few nights, reconnecting with old friends (the best kind!) while noshing on goodies and enjoying libations. SKYPE—in case you didn’t know—is a free (yes, free) way a software application that allows you to make voice calls over the Internet. If you are of a certain age, think of Jetsons-style phone/video package. It’s so much fun—and so much more than a phone call.
Let’s examine the upsides that a SKYPE party has over a conventional one:
- No house clean up necessary—before or after!
- No baby sitter to hire!
- No need to dress up (unless you want to—and we do recommend it just to be sure you’re in the party mood—but it’s optional).
- The only snacks you have to buy are those that YOU (and anyone in the room—spouse, dog, cat, etc.) will be consuming.
- No need to invite neighbors just to be courteous—they won’t even know you’re having a party!
- No chance of anyone driving home inebriated—you’re all home!
- Party winding down? No guests lingering at the door and taking forever to collect hats, boots, etc.
By the way,no web cam? They are reasonably inexpensive now at most stores that carry computer equipment—it should not set you back any more than you would spend on snacks for your typical non-cyber get together.
Our recommendation is start out small. Try it out first with your closest friends or family—you’ll be hooked! And you can eventually conference in others, until you are partying hearty (and cheaply!)
Enjoy! Tell us about VIRTUAL PARTIES you’ve thrown (or attended).
—the Editors, on December 16, 2009
