Opinion: Democratizing video e-mail: How I use it

Computerworld - Does video e-mail really work? Before I wrote this article, we subscribed to First Stream's monthly service out of curiosity. Since December, our Silicon Valley family has put the Las Vegas video e-mail company to the test. Though not perfect, we found that the technology is both easy to use and a lot of fun.
Frank Leong Jr., my husband, is an Internet consultant here in Sunnyvale, Calif. When he follows up with customer meetings, he shoots off a video e-mail. When he finishes a trade show, Frank is sure to stand out from the crowd by issuing a video message to sales leads. During seminars, he demonstrates video e-mail showing companies how this, along with other Web-enabled technologies, is changing the way corporate America is communicating and doing business.
And on Mother's Day, Frank plans to offer free video e-mail to mothers who want to communicate with their military sons and daughters serving in Iraq.
As for me, in my freelance-writer mode, I employ the technology to pitch story ideas to editors and thank sources for their time. As the editor of the online travel magazine BayAreaFamilyTravel.com, I fire off video messages to those in the hospitality industry. When I want to solicit travel stories from writers and visitor bureaus around the state, I can introduce myself in a unique way. I also use it to respond to readers who have questions or comments about the publication. It gives BAFT a personal touch in an impersonal medium.
My daughter, Gwen, 14, will be going to Mexico soon to build houses for the poor as part of a volunteer outreach with her high school. School staff have encouraged the 200-plus students to solicit financial sponsors. Very soon our little girl will be issuing her own video plea for donations from family friends and relatives.
Aaron, 12, is very much the joker in our clan. While he doesn't have a specific application, he uses the on-screen opportunity to make funny faces, laugh hysterically and blab into the camera without inhibition for all to see.
Video e-mail requires only a Web camera or camcorder attached to the PC. Be aware that not all Web cameras are created equal. I advise you to get one with the highest resolution possible within your budget. If you are willing to spend $100 or more, you will be in fine shape. We love the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro for its clarity, ergonomically cool design and small footprint -- smaller than a handheld mouse. The spiffygadget, with its cool black plastic case, has a tracking eye that will follow you as you walk around the room.
This month, we sent a Chinese New Year greeting to one and all. As we sat in my living room, each family member had a chance to catch up our friends and family on how our year went. A couple of recipients were hesitant to click on the image for fear of computer viruses. Another friend said he got the audio, but not the video. But for the most part, we received an overwhelming response. This one was our favorite, from my friend Graciela Hahn: "My daugher and I laughed ourselves silly. We watched it four times. This is one for America's Funniest Home Videos."
If you want, I can forward it to you. E-mail me at kchinleong@sbcglobal.net.

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