I used to Live Video Chat with a bunch of kids every day

This was probably 1998 or 1999? Right after I got my first computer. There used to be a program that came installed with just about every computer but I am unable to remember the name of it. All you needed was a web-cam and an internet connection.

I used my name like I use now but there was a place where you could post a short comment such as your interests, hobbies, etc., across the screen from your name. When the computed was on and you were logged on someone anywhere in the world could "ring," your computer for a chat. It sounded just like a phone ringing when someone clicked on your name.

Didn't take me long to change my comment to "Enjoy talking to people with their clothes on." Because it got so about every other call was from someone sitting in front of their camera in some state of undress. I am no prude but that is just not me.

So I used to get a call about dinner time every day from a class in progress in California from a school for developmentally challenged kids. I think they were calling during their break? All they wanted to do was talk for a few minutes and have me turn the camera towards my sliding glass doors so they could see how the corn was growing out behind our house and to see what the weather was like near Chicago that day. Their teacher was one of the nicest people I have ever met. She always kept apologizing for taking my time every day. The apologies were unnecessary. Hell, I enjoyed doing it as much as the kids did.

Anyone remember the name of that program? It started out pretty good but then they changed it and I couldn't even navigate the site any more. It may have been called ICQ? Does that sound right? Anyone else remember it?

Don

although it may have also had a video chat addon I was unaware of

...
just googled and they're still around, definitely have video chat now
http://www.icq.com/en

does their green flower logo look familiar?

I know I was using ICQ at the time but pretty sure the videoconferencing I was using was something different. Think it was included as part of Windows or Explorer at the time? Pretty sure it came with the computer back then. All you needed was a camera and a microphone.

Wish I could remember the name of it. Its right on the tip of my tongue too.

Don

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CU-SeeMe

CU-SeeMe as part of the legacy of the early Internet

The CU-SeeMe name and legacy remains important for a number of reasons.

CU-SeeMe was an early, widely recognized internet computer application that almost predated the World-Wide-Web;

CU-SeeMe foretold the wide acceptance of videotelephony in a number of markets, and was likely the first product to be referenced using the term 'video chat'.

CU-SeeMe software on the client and server sides were one of the first platforms that proved that IP networks could be effectively used for real-time communication and collaboration The history of Videoconferencing

but i never had a webcam and never used it much. you never hear of it any more seems like.