I just wanted to point out that international calls cost peanuts, if you do it using a VoIP provider instead of your local landline/cellphone.
I call people abroad almost every day and my small balance lasts a very long time.
Honestly, though, doesn't using VoIP seem way harder than pressing one button on Facebook?
As someone who's never used it, I would have to go through the effort of Googling for a client or an online app, figuring out how to use it, adding my billing information and then actually paying for it, when Facebook is completely free!
Also, this is always a good time to bring up how ridiculous international calls are from the UK for anyone who doesn't know. [1] My 22 minute Facebook conversation with my nan over Facebook last night would have cost me £22 + a small connection charge.
[1] http://www.vodafone.co.uk/discover-vodafone/managing-my-cost...
Not if you were allergic to them. But I fail to see your point.
Honestly, though, doesn't using VoIP seem way harder than pressing one button on Facebook?
As someone who's never used it, I would have to go through the effort of Googling for a client or an online app, figuring out how to use it, adding my billing information and then actually paying for it, when Facebook is completely free!
Well, my point was just that phone calls aren't actually particularly expensive. I certainly don't make anything close to SV money.
Whether the one-time half hour cost of signing up for a service, plus playing for it, is too onerous compared to Facebook is your call. Personally, I have various reasons to dismiss Facebook a priori, so the question is irrelevant to me.