What an age we live in!

Ahh the webcam! What a wonderful invention! I recently purchased the model pictured to the right. It is a Logitech QuickCam® Communicate STX with 640 x 480 VGA quality and RightLight™ technology (which provides improved image clarity in low light) and integrated microphone with RightSound™ technology (about $50). This is the most StarTrek-esque piece of technology I have (aside from my cellphone/communicator but everyone has those so it isn't as neat). In essence I have a video phone now and it is free (all you need is an internet connection). Truly we are in the golden age of communications. I know that it kind of looks like a borg appendage of some sort but it isn't scary once you accept it (resistance is futile). If my Mom can figure it out then anyone can (no offense Mom but you definitely have a Mom-level of techno-savy). I had lunch with her the other day and she lives in BC (for those of you who aren't clear, that means free long distance too).

Now, there are some naysayers out there who apparently find some sort of creepiness factor in videoconferencing. Well yeah obviously there is if you are a voyeur or worse if you don't know the camera is on you. I suppose the issue comes down to privacy and control, anyone would feel violated if they new someone was watching them without their knowledge (but that sort of thing was around long before the webcam and has to do with deeply ingrained prey instincts). However, my webcam has a nice feature, an attached privacy screen that you slide over the lens, like putting on a lenscap. I think we will be safe as long as we remember that we in fact can turn the technology off if we want to. End of story. So embrace the novelty and the fact that now we can be just a little bit closer to our loved ones far away.