So i plan on on using the free Skype for some fun on BlogTalkRadio and i have a few questions which i hope you kind folk can answer.

1. Is it fully free to call BlogTalkRadio hosts via Skype?

2. Do i have a 'Number' if so can it be traced back to my landline number?

3. Is Skype fully Annonymous? Can i be tracked by someone using blogtalkradio and can they call me back?

4. Similar to the number question, but is my 'Number' my landline or mobile phone? (I haven't had to type in my phone number yet).

5. Can i get banned for just generally calling someone if they don't like my opinions?

Thank you for your help.

1. Depends. If you're calling a phone, you have to pay. If you're calling the host's Skype account, it's free.

2. You don't have a number. The only way they can know who called (by seeing your username) is if you're calling their Skype account. They can't see a number or your skype name on a phone.

3. See 2.

4. You won't need to use a phone number, you put in money into your Skype account to be able to call phones. As I said earlier, it's free to call other Skype accounts.

5. On Skype? No. On the show you're calling? Maybe.


Out of curiosity...Is the show you're talking about hosted by a guy named Ghost?

I've only used Skype not BTR.

But don't think of Skype as a phone, it's like an IM program with pretty decent voice service.

It might be better to get Skype first and have a go with it and then see how it relates to whatever plans you have.

To answer your questions as far as I am able.

1. Depends on how it works in the case of that service but usually skype to skype calls are free.
2. No you have a username. Anything's possible but not easily no.
3. I doubt it, they offer a "screening" service for premium members which implies that they can't really track a skype account.
4. No. See 3.
5. I don't know that depends on both BTR and Skype, I guess if you're guilty of any TOS violations usual caveats apply.

Security on Skype sucks, but it's the most widely option, just don't count on it being particularly well secured.

I'm personally considering using it when I go over seas, but mostly because I don't want to spend that kind of money on my phone bill.

How did you know?

Lucky guess. I love his show, man.

Well i want to troll him tonight but i'm worried he will try and call me back and find my real number, but i guess it can't happen?

Nah, don't worry. The worst he can do is give out your Skype name.

I just want to mention that it's not as anonymous as some silly people think. If you call some politician and tell 'em you're going to torch their cat, The Man will be all over you in a matter of minutes.

...because, you know, some silly people think internet phones don't leave traces, and that false knowledge "enables" them to do stupid things.

To my knowledge it should be "okay" for harmless trolling, but even that is kind of mean. You shouldn't be a big meanie pants.

Good, not bothered about that then since i can just make another skype account in minutes.

@Adzeth

Yeah, i would never do something silly like call a high profile person or the police or anything, it's just Ghost i wanted to troll. It's not actually mean btw since he's a cannibal troll (a troll that feeds off of others trolls) so it's fine :P