Why we removed SkypeMe! from Skype 4.0 for Windows
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you may be familiar with one of our themes for this year – focus. So why have we removed SkypeMe!?
In short, we wanted to simplify the number of status options we offer – you may have noticed that we also removed Not Available. Over the course of the 4.0 project, our research showed that users found SkypeMe! confusing. People weren’t always clear what SkypeMe! meant – that they were opening themselves up to be contacted by literally anyone.
I know that some of you come to Skype with the specific aim of finding new contacts and making new friends. We’re investigating ways of making this work without detracting from the simplicity and focus of Skype 4.0 for Windows – so please bear with us. For now, why not head over to the Coffee Corner in the Skype Community, where you can meet new people from around the world.
n-yoshi commented Tuesday, Mar 17
I completely cannot understand.
Before removing “SkypeMe! (TM)”, you concerning “SkypeMe! (TM)”, more energetically we should explain.
Also quality control is worst e.g., Very BUGGY product called GOLD release.
You became evil!!
Please return to good, right now...
zar_peter_der_grosse commented Tuesday, Mar 17
Hi Peter,
I think that skype should rethink the removal of the "SkypeMe!"-functionality:
Someone who is using a computer should be able to read (at all) and furthermore understand the description of the "SkypeMe!"-mode (what it does) before finally confirming it - it is done in a very understandable way!
And yes, "SkypeMe!" is a perfect way to show others that one wants to get contacted ("Coffee Corner" is no replacement at all). Otherwise there's always the problem that one might harass someone else who is "only" in online-mode.
And I must confess that I'm a bit annoyed I couldn't perceive any hint that "SkypeMe!" got removed in 4.0 - otherwise I'd have kept my old version. And also no hint in 4.0 (at least I couldn't find one) - that's very confusing ("Is anything wrong with my installation?").
shokki commented Tuesday, Mar 17
I remember when I first time put myself to SkypeME! - mode, it opened a new window where it stated very clearly what the mode is. If someone is too stupid not to understand simple english why should the rest of us suffer because of it?
Please bring back SkypeME!. For me it made Skype much nicer to work with than MSN Messenger, but now it's gone and there is no any advantage anymore.
aifol_fr commented Tuesday, Mar 17
Like the others I think SkypeMe was a full part of Skype, one of these things which made Skype different.
I don't think it's so hard to make this mode available in advanced options for exemple if you are afraid to confuse people.
To remove something is never the good choice to satisfy everybody...
liu.michael commented Tuesday, Mar 17
I, for one, applaud the removal of SkypeMe (or if "truth in advertising" were applied, it would be called "PervMe"). Am I surprised that all the users clamoring about the removal of SkypeMe are men?
Yes, I am a man. But more importantly, I am my daughter's father. I started using Skype as a small business tool and then realized it's value for keeping in touch with friends and family while traveling. But because of SkypeMe (and the lack of administrative controls for "locking down" Skype) I have had to remove it from my family's computers. Because the intentional or inadvertent opening of SkypeMe on your account (particularly if your account lists you as a female) immediately opens your PC to a deluge of explicit pornographic solicitations, complete with XXX rated photos on many of the solicitor's contact profiles.
I'm not a prude. And I realize that adults should have the freedom to choose if they want to bombarded by the millions of Skype members from around the world seeking free cam-to-cam sex shows. But not all Skypers are adults. And Skype has thoughtlessly left out any parental or administrative controls to limit a child's account. (And I'll bet there are plenty of spouses who are not too thrilled by their significant others being hustled by horny Skype sex-predators.) I know some will say that a child should be supervised on a PC, and we certainly strive to do that (more difficult when I'm traveling, which was one of the main reasons for having Skype at home). But I think most parents wouldn't want "porno-Skype" on their family PCs any more than they would stack their family shelves with issues of Penthouse and then try to provide 100% supervision while their children are reading books. Some things just don't belong in a family home.
So when Skype v4 came out, I was thrilled to learn that SkypeMe was removed. I reinstalled Skype on the family PCs, only to discover that v4 was a total dog. The UI (Unusable Interface) is clumsy, intrusive, and hogs screen real estate like no program I've seen since the early days of Win 3.1. And for all the talk of improved call quality, I found that the v4 voice and video quality was worse than with v3.8. So off came v4 and I went back to v3.8 (for my PCs only; my family PCs are once again Skype-less).
supermalavox commented Wednesday, Mar 18
As a SkypeMe! user, I think what could actually be done, specially for blocking children and also for the people who did not understand what this mode meant, is to place back SkypeMe! mode, but to put a password to activate it. The password could be defined by an adult, and be different than the one from the Skype account! That way, no child or careless user would activate the mode without being prompted to type in the password! I know that I am a man, but am not interested in sex chats, pornography, etc. I just want to make friends, but surely understand Liu's concerns. I always hear women complaining about SkypeMe! but rarely leaving it because 1 in 10 people will be a good friend for them! I defend SkypeMe! mode, with a little more protection, just as I defend Skype's account creation process with more safety, but without being inaccessible, like ICQ did to the software, where you have to type in the content of a visual image, or even Gizmo has, where you can sign up via the website but the visual captcha blocks blind people. I personally think that Skype could have an e-mail based system to create an account where you created it but would only activate it if you confirmed it by e-mail, and if someone was spammed, he/she could block spams by blocking that particular e-mail address that sent the confirmation process. I like to complain, but also love to suggest improvements. I know that Skype can be much better, if we all work to make it a better and cleaner place!
nephrium commented Wednesday, Mar 18
To whom it may concern,
Having been a VERY long time skype user, I feel that this situation could have been handled much better. Why not release this improved way of finding new friends in this release instead of leaving us high and dry until the next? OR leaving the skypeme function in until a better solution was found? Was it such an emergency that it just HAD to be removed from this release, and maybe "cross our fingers" we hope noone will notice? Now I know from years of experience with this thing that there are a lot of people that never really understood what "skypeme" meant, and found themselves bombarded by a lot of skeezy guys. I've also been called every name in the book for talking to a girl who was obviously in skypme mode, and by my logic, prepared to conversate! I also always explained to them what skype me mode was about after being rebuffed.
I'm going to be completely honest in saying that, yes, I used the skypeme function to find girls to chat with online. No, I do not use it for "porno-skype". I use it for language exchange, and cultural exchange. It was until this version, the very BEST way to learn about different languages and cultures without having to spend the cash to travel over seas. Sure, I could get the same information from a guy, but which would you choose if you had the choice?? Also, just to be clear to anyone thinking skype is simply a way for men to show themselves in indecent ways online, I can tell you that I DEFINITELY have more girls from china, malaysia, the phillipines, and other south eastern asian countries, contacting me, than I've ever contacted myself. These girls usually want nothing more than to practice english over voice chat, and after working a long day it was nice to sit and conversate.
To summarize, I simply think this should have been handled differently. Skype me should have been left in UNTIL a replacement had been finalized. I never write comments about things like this, but I want the community of skype men with good intentions for the skype me mode to be represented properly in this matter.
Thank you,
hayes64 commented Thursday, Mar 19
This is worse than just a shot in the foot for Skype, it's more like another nail in its coffin. "Research"? If they'd actually bothered to do any research at all they would've come up with ways to improve SkypeMe, not remove it completely. With more people installing v4.0 there'll be less people using SkypeMe until it won't be worth sticking with v3.8 at all. I wonder how many users have gone back to v3.8, and how many more would do if only they knew how? Of those that won't know how to go back to v3.8, how many will stop using Skype altogether without SkypeMe?
Peter Parkes comments regarding the exclusion of SkypeMe in v4.0 are, at best, insulting. Why not just admit that SkypeMe wasn't financialy sustainable?
Of course people will vote with their feet, but these people aren't the kind of 'people' Skype wants to attract. What the people behind Skype have failed to grasp is that Skype is only as popular as the number of regular users it has. Can Skype sustain such a loss?
alphis commented Thursday, Mar 19
Please, add SkypeMe! to Skype 4.0 I'm stuck at 3.8 because the new version doesn't have this funtion
glennmartyn commented Friday, Mar 20
The point of 'Skype Me' was communication which was/is the whole point of Skype. Before you removed this feature you allowed others to converse with other cultures in a way they couldn't before. I actually met my girlfriend through skypeme.
If there was abuse of sexual content then you should take steps to implement a parental password feature as suggested above, which would be very easy to add to the gui. Set the password, lock it and then enter it to change to that restricted status.
And how more obvious could it be as to what mode you were in than the large alert that popped up to remind you that it was going to allow randoms to call you? Who was confused as to the status other then the first few minutes after you had installed skype for the first time. After that, it was clear: to avoid randoms just set to a different status. I think you will discover if you do research that most people would wish Skypeme back in an update of '4.0'.
A very odd decision to remove it completely.
adrianruiz0 commented Friday, Mar 20
It's very bad taste to have removed SkypeMe. It was a nice way to meet people all around the world, to know their culture, language, traditions and continue to evolve and that no other instant msj company had, "were unique."
Please re-enter SkypeMe the new version.
Thanks for your time reading and attention.
roots.of.destiny commented Saturday, Mar 21
I have became happy with Skype ever since I started using it. It was quite a fun messenger to use too. But time after time I have considered full uninstallment of Skype products and refuse to suggest it to newcomers. For me, I expected 4.0 to be a modern and eye candy induced messenger. Ok, we got the eye candy... Now where are all the features?
There are none. 4.0 is the weakest version ever constructed. SkypeMe mode should be added back into the program as 3.8 had already clearly stated what it does and those that say you are being invaded by porn, the team had invented the block button, use it.
Also, the mic-mute button -- What a shame, I have to end my call or right click to hold the call/mute the mic. Add those back in.
I find it a shame and a mockery on Skype to try and "simplify" the program, rather I just might go back to 3.8 so I can actually meet new folk around the world and enjoy features I once used to.
My "simply" put way is that 4.0 is a waste of space on my computer, a waste of my time to play with, and furthermore, a waste to even think to suggest a program filled with ... nothing.
4.0 needs to be removed from the line of messengers to choose from, until the team can get their bearings straight and give us members and customers alike what we really want.
chrysalislex commented Sunday, Mar 22
I cannot fathom the reasoning that skypeme mode was removed because it was 'confusing.' That I think is a lame excuse. If one can use a computer, then one can understand skype's note that when one is putting him/her in skypeme mode, he/she is open to contacts anywhere, and that it is already upon the user how he/she will deal with it. W/n skypeme will be good or not to the user is already upon the user. It is not upon Skype to take it away and dictate to us users what will be good or not for us.
I have always been using that mode and have made friends that way. Had I known that the new version will take that benefit away, then I shouldn't have downloaded the new version. Skypeme mode is one of the features why I use skype when I'm online. I find the new version hobbled w/o the skypeme mode,the feature is a standout from the rest of other chat programs around there; and the new version is more confusing than the previous version. You have made Skype worse and worthless.
karen.schiller commented Sunday, Mar 22
Please bring back "Skype Me" Mode. I have been using Skype for the past 3 years and have found it a great tool. But I am very disappointed with this latest version. I didn't realise the functionality I would be losing when downloading the latest version. In the past I have enjoyed being able to invite people to chat with me through the selection "Skype Me" mode, something which inevitably found me being contacted by a number of people who felt like chatting. I also found it a very useful selection criteria when looking to make contact with people...contact which has resulted in friendships with people who I have met face to face from around the world.
Please reinstate this functionality in the next version.
eduardo.meyer commented Sunday, Mar 22
There is something behind this action (Removing the feature) and it is definitely not the fact that Skype-Me is confusing. It's such a ridiculous excuse.
Skype-Me had disadvantages, including bots, however it was such a nice functionality in Skype.
Hopefully they bring it back.
richardfink commented Sunday, Mar 22
ok... the issue is SkypeMe.
Now I know that in the corporate culture goode ideas are often dismissed when they have not been contracted for in a "study" and that when they come in via the wind as this one is coming that they are most often dismissed. How can they be of value when a high dollar price was not paid ?
SkypeMe was miss understood by some people. So there are two scenarios: the 3.x version presentation of SkypeMe, and the 4.x scenario of it not being present. The design solution is that the default when first installed is as 4.0 appears, no SkypeMe.
Then in the Tools/Options area where preferences are set create a new panel called "SkypeMe". This panel has only two purposes, 1) the explanation of the facility, informing of the resulting interaction with unintended parties or callers, the possibilities of bots, and the adult nature of some directory listings.
Purpose 2) is simple a checkbox to activate SkypeMe.
Once activated, the operational scenario would be as in version 3.x.
Then you may maintain a valuable facility of communication and community and provide an initial wall protecting the unsuspecting member. You could also require that at initial sign-up that a confidential birthday is required in the procedure. Those with an age below 18 would find the "SkyMe" panel greyed out in Purpose 2) and would therefore not be presented with activities inteded for adult communication.
Ok,... if you find this a usefull design but are unable to utilize it as it was not in a contractual relationship, go ahead and cut me a check for 10K, US Dollars and I'll predate the contact.
But most of all, please be more creative to resolutions and solutions than the hammer approach of removing a facility that you have not given appropriate brain power to fix.
Thank you, Ric
qwxiam commented Monday, Mar 23
"talking and listening — and that’s what this blog is about" - golden words in one of your blog entries. Please keep them in mind reading comments. And while you're at it go check out feedback and wishlist at Skype forums.
Innovating is good. But it has to have a reason. It has to have strategy. And you shouldn't scrap all the good concepts, that Skype stood for just for the sake of innovation. I understand the reason behind doing things from scratch, but why have you thrown away so much good things? And where is the responsible reasoning behind every major idea, and every little detail? It seems, as if you've scratched it all together.
And there is very little explaining from your (developers) side. Why this, why that? Talk to us! The forums are just chocking up on posts filled with confusion, disappointment, frustration... Do you care? I surely hope you do. But your absence there (and absence of way more reasonable explanations) is making things worse.
And what will come next? What are your plans? What is your vision? What are exact things you're gonna do? I'm just getting a bit scared, and wondering, whether you plane to shape the software around user preferences, or will users have to adapt to every concept you decide to throw in?
Don't get me wrong, I really wish the best of luck and godspeed to you guys, if you really care about us... But... I'm don't know anymore, if you do... Just another confused user, recently gone disappointed...
Godspeed...
tuppaacc commented Saturday, Mar 28
WHY... WHY... I ask you Skype you were the best thing in this world beside Disney Land now you broke my heart (( THAT IS IT !!! were broken UP...!
renoval1 commented Saturday, Mar 28
hey, let Skype Me in 4.0 who doesnt want to use it.... is free to not use it. what´s the problem? they can choose but we, the others that want to use Skype Me and cant...where is the right here?
j_e_s_at_skype commented Monday, Mar 30
Well. I think that to remove "Skype Me" is to remove an important skype functionality. Perhaps you could put the "skype me" activation as an advanced option and not activate it by default. That way, only users that really wanted to use "skype me" would have it.
berezaonfire commented Tuesday, Mar 31
To be honest. I havent used skype in ages, then today i thought I'd download it again and jump on and meet some new people on it. Finding out that this feature is no longer availabe, I will be UnInstalling it. I found it great b4 when I could jump in random chat rooms and make new friends. You guys are proberly really thinking about the $$$$. Maybe getting rid of it temporaraly and then bringing if back with a fee to activate the mode possibly.
Whatever you're done I'm not happy with it anyway.
snowflake_il commented Thursday, Apr 2
Are you people really that naive?
That feature wasn't removed because it wasn't good enough, it was too good - a lot of people were using it, thus adding traffic to the company's servers but without bringing any more monitary value.
That is the reason it was removed, that's also the reason why it will never be restored (despite what they are saying now).
I would suggest that instead of moaning people find themselves (and hopefull share here with others) suitable alternatives.
superjonah commented Sunday, Apr 5
Snowflake, the feature was good enough for plenty of people. Perhaps not for you, but based on your post it's pretty clear you are a just a tool. If you didn't like it, you didn't need to use it. Simple as that.
I do have to correct you on one big technical flaw in your argument. The feature didn't add any traffic to Skype's servers. Skype is a P2P application for the very fact that it reduces operating costs and helps avoid bandwidth saturation.
stephen.pritchard5 commented Sunday, Apr 5
Thank goodness i was able to roll back to Skype 3.8. The removal of Skypeme mode completely altered the worth of Skype for me, and i am even more greatful i didn't purchase skype credits. Does anyone know if 3.8 functionality will disappear as 4.0 progresses? I don't want to buy skype credits to discover the version i prefer suddenly stops working. There is no value to me in using Skype in its new incarnation, and i don't want to waste money if 3.8 ceases to function at some point. I simply don't understand why this has been done, it relegates skype to just another vanilla instant messenger.
holmesenigma commented Monday, Apr 6
I agree with many of the other posters here. I will stick with the good old skype with skypeme on it. I enjoy the ability to chat with other people and have made some good friends through skypeme. There have been so many good points made of the good of skypeme here. Great job to all who stand by skypeme and support it!!
cdc2007 commented Thursday, Apr 9
without skypeme mode wont people just start messaging everyone and anyone now indiscriminately causing a nuisance to skype users, ha ha.... anarchy rules...
neneprobeta commented Friday, Apr 10
A partial solution to the SkypeMe! problem, Xenofilia:
Thread in english: http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=319981
Una solución parcial al problema SkypeMe!, Xenofilia:
Hilo en español: http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=320031
neneprobeta commented Sunday, Apr 12
Just a quick note to whoever it may concern:
The first link I posted in the previous comment has been CENSORED by Skype's forum administration, without giving me ANY feedback on why they did this.
Anyways, I'll repost this quickly here:
Xenofilia is a program that enables SkypeMe! mode for version 4 of Skype. It's a LEGAL program that does FAIR USE of Skype's API to do so, and it's open source to check for any NON EXTANT malware.
Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?0mcgkxyqiye
Source code download link: http://www.mediafire.com/?qzcygmynlzz
Regards.
jrsrinivasforu commented Sunday, Apr 12
I really miss Skype ME option...
plz make it happn in the next release
woodywiz commented Wednesday, Apr 15
Really cheesed off that you have take off 'Skypeme' - thinking of going back to using ICQ
pipiolottico commented Thursday, Apr 16
Dear Peter, I think SkypeMe was a great feature of skype software for who, like me, uses skype mainly to improve the knowledge of a foregin language. In fact I am from Italy, but I wrote my language is english. In this way I've got a lot of chat requests from all over the world and many voice calls too. This has been very important for me because now my english is way better. Also I could call people whose status was set on SkypeMe knowing in advance I wouldn't have disturbed them. Now I'm trying to improve my spanish in the same fashion, but removing SkypeMe, I'm not allowed to, or at least it's not as easy as before.
Regards.
milana430 commented Sunday, Apr 19
Please, bring back Not Available mode.
I never used Skype Me, but Not Available mode was really useful for me.
Being "Away" is for a short time and being not available is for a longer period of time. I really can't get over this issue.
giulio.foletto commented Sunday, Apr 19
If the problem is that people don't know about skype me just hide it better, better hidden than absent
warren.de.wit commented Tuesday, Apr 21
Hi All
I really can't be bothered if Skypme is on or off. I used it once, but didn't see the point as i could not actually find a decent person on there. Maybe just bad timing for me. The point though is that Skype is for the community so why not just have a survey and check what the community wants. I also fully agree with password protecting it. I dont have a daughter, but if i did there was no way i would let them use skype. So Peter Parkes. There is a simple solution. Simplifying the amount of status options is also ok and does not really bother me as i only use online and "Do not disturb" and obviously away which is auto set to 5 mins if no activity.
Wawa
hello_flowers commented Wednesday, May 27
I AM USING SKYPE BECAUSE OF ONLY SkypeMe! MODE!!!
skype is meaningless without SkypeMe! mode. SkypeMe! mode is really useful when you want to communicate with anyone instantly. i had been using skype 4 but not anymore because it is not worth it. i have returned to skype 3. now, i am really enjoying skype with SkypeMe! mode. i find a lot of people to speak and also they find me easily. i believe that skype is better than almost all chat programs with its sound and video quality and also with SkypeMe! mode.
so, you have to bring SkypeMe! mode back or i believe that you don't appreciate customer-satisfaction...
juneyh69 commented Friday, May 29
I used the earlier version of skype, and when I downloaded the new version4 did not realise that Skype me was eliminated. I have been seaching everwhere for the facility in the skype set up system, obviously without sucess. BUT what really annoys me is that I have to find out about the omission from a post that would not normally be seen . AND ALSO the way to switch on the skype me mode is given in the Help section under 'What is skype me mode ?' .I spent many a happy hour trying to work out just what they were talking about there, before i came across the information here . So please sort yourselves out.
terrywalsh46 commented Monday, Jun 1
removing skypeme was a step back.on skypeme we have made many friends in china who we visited in may , without skypeme this would not have happened, please restore it as soon as possible.or should we go back to 3,8 skype
caran.j commented Saturday, Jun 13
Removing "Skype ME" mode is a backward approach of Skype . If users get un necessary messages because of they are in "Skype Me" mode without knowing what it is ,the simple solution that skype had to give was give a warning message to the user when they change to "Skype Me" mode. Instead Skype removed the feature.
I think skype have to reconsider its decision on "Skype Me" mode removal seriously
morellia69 commented Sunday, Jun 14
im female, i wouldn't say I was particularly prissy.
Ive turned on skypeme a couple of times with morbid curiosity, but it's only generated unwanted attention (despite my profile comments to leave off the hot stuff) (and ok ok i have a 69 in my nick ). Some callers felt confident enough to be showing indecent profile pictures at first message. When i felt like causing a bit of aggro they got a telling off, but they fought back with the attitude that porn is what skype is for.
Ive used icq in the past, they used to have a similar system, but in a later version it vanished too. Plus the random contact searches on their website went. Ive no idea if they ever brought it back.
Do I believe their reasons for stopping it? No. I think its more likely a response to complaints whilst trying not to openly admit there were problems. Im no lawyer, but can you sue a host for this sort of uninvited stuff appearing on your (or your child's) monitor?
Do i agree with them stopping it altogether? No I dont think I do, but I agree with some posters here that maybe it should be protected, or graded in some way eg Friendship/dating/adult
orcomania commented Saturday, Jun 20
Your article still lacks any plausible explanation as to why "SkypeMe" mode is removed... This is really ridiculous.
nafcom commented Sunday, Jun 21
That SkypeMe mode was removed really sucks, but there are too ways: The above tool (scroll up on this page to see the download link) and using skype on devices phones that still have skypeme mode. since the last skype status will be the one used for all other skype instances!
timothy_olyphant commented Tuesday, Jun 23
Please, add "SkypeMe!" and "Not Available" to Skype 4.0 I'm using 3.8 (best version ever ) because the new version doesn't have this function
grinner1958 commented Tuesday, Jun 23
I too regret the demise of Skype Me and now returned to version 3.8.
As a Brit working abroad, it gives me the opportunity to chat to people back home who also were in the mood for a chat. I always made a point of reading profile first as an icebreaker. What does concern me now though is the number of "spoof profiles" that seem to be getting generated in skype stating that someone is in skype me mode. Perhaps Skype should do more to ensure only genuine profiles are generated in first place to reduce the bots. I recently tested the search with a friend that was in Skype Me mode. 12 contacts were found, all of which were ficticious (at least the profiles did not exist 2 hours later!!!) and their own profile did not show up as being in Skype Me mode!!!! So instead of removing it, why not just make it work properly
alexdangler commented Wednesday, Jun 24
I use skype just for the skype me. What is your problem? Don't you even listen to all these complaints. You are such a stupid company.
rambaldone commented Friday, Jun 26
Hi,
Well I' like the others : why?!!
And don't talk about the coffee corner, so far it looks like a lousy forum; could be a great complementary tool of skypeMe, but definitely not an alternative.
I red some of the responds, and I understand concerned parents, and annoyed users, and they made a point that I sadly haven't thought of, and there more skype's respond to a need to like a responsible company.
But still. About parental control like in every web solutions !!!? And therefore if you cut the skypeMe, businesses seems to still use skype for their communications and incoming calls, so so why don't those users simply turn it off so they won't be annoyed.
The don't disturb me removal is really annoying for me, it's a professional tool: When I send and receive large amount of dat or files (skype is the best way: real fast, can't use ftp because always on different locations; and so far who could get me this kind of quality for sendind files across europe and the world?), I turn myself on don't disturb me, I still can receive files, while working peacefully.
At last, why not a lite version, or a normal version without (same as lite/light, different name), and a version with more options for needy users like me. Icq did it years ago, and so did other brands & products.
I hope my statement is going to be red by officials, and that it will matter.
Keep us posted,
A.
dimithar commented Friday, Jun 26
Concerned parents:if your child is under 16 and has their real age given,the program doesn't permit them to use skypeme mode /I think that at the age of 16 the pornographic photography won't give them such trauma as if they were 7 @.@/
For me the skypeme option was kind of a trademark for skype itself and a great way to meet new people or just kill some time.As for the ones who got annoyed:You brought it on yourself,who's forcing you to use skypeme? o.0'If you're gonna have the advantages you should be willing to withstand the disadvantages also.
Developers and researchers,I find your decision rather pointless,as the people,"protected" by it make a poor argument,also it selfish of them to require a perfectly harmless,or at least easy to disable function,the consequences of which they can prevent for themselves.
marushka13 commented Friday, Jul 3
Well, the first explanation on the top why Skype me mode was removed is lousy. Underestimates people's ability to read, thinking logically or see. I think everyone got a point after a while.
g_gabunia commented Monday, Jul 6
Hi peter
that's what you say:
There are people that have reading disabilities/are just too stupid. So we'll remove a good feature
?
Being Social is something that makes Skype unique! There is absolutely nothing special in VOiP or video chat option. My friend wrote a simple sip software when he was 2-nd year student. there are millions of solutions....
Features bring popularity, popularity brings money. That's simple
joan0290 commented Saturday, Jul 11
here is the thing, anyone here knows what can i do? i had the GOOD version, then i downloaded the latest, and then i uninstalled it.....what can i do now? is there any possible way to get the GOOD version? plzz plzz
kimasendorf commented Tuesday, Jul 14
we actually made a social study named "SkypeMe!" via skype. just in time. read more here: http://bit.ly/Ahceu
epic118 commented Tuesday, Jul 21
Why would you want to delete 'SkypeMe!'? You can simply explain it easier like this:
'SkypeMe! is a feature where anyone can talk to you and you can talk to anyone on Skype.'
But I bet you made it really complicated.
WE WANT SKYPEME! BACK...
migosurf commented Wednesday, Jul 22
This reminds me of when CocaCola got rid of Coke.... then had to go back and start it up again. Skype me was just fun. Surely you can figure away to tweak it for kids. Really was a dragged the way no one was informed. You did not help yourselves with this. Skypeme was fun and should be brought back.
pinkflamingo69 commented Friday, Jul 24
Hi evrybody aiaiaiaiaiaiaia..... skype its nice becouse have SKYPE-ME !
But now so BORING!
collim473 commented Saturday, Jul 25
that's what i loved of skype, contact strangers and being contacted by strangers. hope you will bring back this feature or there will be no reason to suggest it to friends or use it, there are so many other softwares embedded in the OS!
aprilsrg28 commented Saturday, Jul 25
Why?! I really miss it It was the best thing I've ever seen on messengers PUT IT BACK. talking with other people Miss it put it back! pleaseeee
blackstarno.1 commented Wednesday, Aug 5
This is the most disappointing thing skype has done, taking skype me mode off. I just installed it on my new laptop and bought credit so I can coference call overseas. Now that skype me mode has been taken offf I'm considering using another, cheaper rate VOIP provider as I have no reason to use skype any more.
rebelyell.it commented Thursday, Aug 6
ahahah, this is ridiculous.
SkypeMe! was a pretty function.
Do not try to hide behind a finger, you have failed. Skype currently is almost invasive with baloon tips.
It's simply to add an explanation of the state SkypeMe!, with a baloon tip, isn't it?
Fact 1: the removal of SkypeMe! was (is) an epic fail.
Fact 2: "simple software" is _not_ synonymous of "software for idiots".
di.saster commented Monday, Aug 10
hey guys, how do I download the old version of skype that still has skype me mode?
Send the link anyone?
Di
gunnaralv commented Sunday, Aug 16
I've used Skype allmost since the time it was first released, and as the chorus here agree about - SkyeMe(TM)-mode was one of the things that made me stick with it regardless of the approach of other messengers and Voip sollutions. This has definently earned Skype many thousand "Kroner" only from me in credits, but as long as they refuse to listen to this post, and refuse to implement this mode again, I will simply boikott Skype by simply not buying any more credit. There are tons of other cheaper apps, which now have the exact same functionallity as Skype (after removing this mode) so I don't see any reason to stick with it. I will also use the 3.8 version as long as possibly and also use the SkypeMe mode as much as I can (without buying credit) just for the sake of it. There's still a lot of people there. And to Skype: This attitude towards your users will definently be your death, but you can still change. Yes, it wasn't easy to skim a lot of money out of this, as you thought when you bought it in the first place. To bad for you. You should do more real research in the future. Bye for now.
kiphughes commented Sunday, Aug 16
I liked the SkypeMe mode, but did find it confusing initially. "SkypeMe" isn't the best term for such a feature -- even when you trademark it. It's best to use simple terms that users can understand instead of cute phrases that marketing people come up with.
May I suggest contacting Jakob Nielsen (www.useit.com)?
tannercampbell commented Friday, Aug 21
Skype me mode was fucking dumb anyway. My concern is how can I prevent every Tom, Dick & Harry on the internet from randomly messaging me things like:
"Hi I am chinese girl looking for fun, look my profile here http://blahspamspam.spam"
Cause I get like 50 of them a day.
shebathewolf commented Wednesday, Sep 2
I made the mistake of installing the last version on one of my pcs. The worst version of skype ever... Not only for the SkypeMe mode that i use rarely to find some chat friends. The interface is just confusing. The chat window is unusable...
Fortunately in my work pc I have linux with a "good" version of skype client.
eugene-bondarenko commented Wednesday, Sep 16
Oh no no no, please get SkypeMe back. It was the funniest option here and it really did the difference (afterall all IMs allow phone, video, etc. calls today). Yeah, I've been getting sex ads but it was worth it. Because also I've been getting calls from fun people all over the world. If the problem is only in people concerned about their children just make some compromise for them. Like ability to put password on SkypeMe or whatever. But please don't leave us without SkypeMe.
shannon_marshall commented Sunday, Sep 20
Why not bring SkypeME back, but add functions to prevent random contacts for those people that don't want to be contacted. Eg. Parental controls, an option to block messages/calls etc from people not in their contact list even when in SkypeME mode...Just a thought! That way people can have more control over who contacts them while parents can be at ease knowing their kids aren't being subjected to strange messages from the few that send them. The social bunch on Skype can then get back to enjoying the networking functions that SkypeME allows.
I noticed the Ubuntu versions still allows SkypeME mode, but lacks other functions the windows version has...Are there going to be any upgrades made to the Linux versions anytime soon?
yupith commented Monday, Sep 28
If it wasn't for the SkypeMe! mode I wouldn't have EVER met the guy i have been dating for the last 9 months, not a virtual relationship but a REAL one. I think SkypeMe was a really nice option to meet new people, and yeah the SPAM or sex messages where annoying, but you could easily avoid them, and Im sure you could develop a system how to eliminate them, just like the user "shannon_marshall" explains. Im sure many users have stoped using skype because of that reason. BRING SKYPEME BACK!! Maybe some more people can find love just like I did.
sankar20071981 commented Tuesday, Sep 29
Hey!
GIVE ME "Skype Me" !!!
There are settings to avoid messages or calls from unknown persons. May be pop-up those help messages while changing the mode to "Skype Me".
--
Vote for Skype Me !!!
ero.bur commented Thursday, Oct 8
Can you "PLEASE" give our Skype Me back ?
Name it whatever you want.
Just give us the function.
-
I really wonder what type of genious(!) thought removing it.
noop73 commented Friday, Oct 9
Amazing!!! didn't you learn anything from Apple???
You shouldn't remove any functionality you gave once your users!! they will get angry. If you want to simplify it just make it an option on your preferences panel. Don't be lazy and code for it
We want skypeme back!
kojisan01 commented Thursday, Oct 15
Bring SkipeMe! mode back. Just do it.
I can't even install the 3.8 version now, because I use Windows 7.
That was the best feature Skype had and now it's gone.
Thanks.
edo.albers commented Tuesday, Oct 20
So many comments! Indeed add the SkypeMe! mode again. I miss it too.
Concerning the comment above. I ignored the "Compatibilty issue" message and installed Skype 3.8 on Windows 7. So far so good...
jihadunit commented Saturday, Oct 24
I decided to come back and check out skype again since I pretty much stoped using it since the removal of skype me....well looks like it's still not here. You guys removed one of the best features, I understand that there is still other ways to make contacts but skypeme feature was simply the best, who care if there was a bit of spam, this is the internet it's filled with it.
arafelkai commented Monday, Nov 2
Hey.. I used skype me mode only for a couple of times.. but I liked it anyway no matter how many crazy people would have bothered me.. what a REAL bother is that I had to read all these explanations and dig to even find them.. not quite what I expect from skype.. come on, make it an option! people who like it will use it, people who don`t... well I`m not one of them. thank you for your attention. and how am I supposed to know if this mode ever returns??
tonygalligani commented Friday, Nov 6
I've been poking around for the skypeme mode and wasn't able to find it - thought i was just stupid or something. Removing it was a bad idea. I sympathize with the people who have kids or don't want to be harrassed, that's fine... add skypeme as a feature installation then, or a plugin (why doesn't skype have plugins, incidentally? wouldn't it be amazing if you offered an open API so people could design their own applications for skype???)
alleneleven commented Tuesday, Nov 10
1. If you're worried that some people may not understand SkypeMe description in plain English, get them dictionaries. Don't remove the whole thing from the rest of us normal people.
2. If you absolutely had to remove it, at least say it clearly at installation of 4.0, so people like me who used to use SkypeMe didn't have to search through the whole program and Skype.com just to find out it was dumped for such ridiculous reason.
algisrs6 commented Sunday, Nov 15
gosh if you donbt like skype me then just turn it off if u get unwanted calls and stuff if you dont like skype me dnt turn it on but now there is no choice its the stupidiest thing ever im still on 3.8 adn will never update cause i make calls chats with lot sof people who ge ttogether and make fun out of eacother having smart chat fun way spending your free time seriuolsy if they would remove skype me from 3.8 is well i would just move to MSN and thats it as simple as that
gerogatos commented Sunday, Nov 15
For those who get framed in Version 4.0.... you can back anytime to previous skype, just uninstall your skype 4.x and install a oldversion.com skype 3.8
kurshaaaaa commented Sunday, Nov 15
i have this problem,when i found that "skypeme" is not in new versions,i always useing older ones.but now i bought webcam.and its not working on older versions.so l'm very often useing skypeme.please add back it.please just add it back.who dont like will not use it and who likes give us what we want
marco13_457 commented Tuesday, Nov 17
"... In short, we wanted to simplify the number of status options we offer – you may have noticed that we also removed Not Available. Over the course of the 4.0 project, our research showed that users found SkypeMe! confusing. People weren’t always clear what SkypeMe! meant – that they were opening themselves up to be contacted by literally anyone. ..."
these are ridiculous reasons..!! if u want simplify the usage of skype status for the beginner you should develop something like the "base options" or "advanced options" that we can find into the "privacy settings options".. In this way the beginner users don't have any difficulties to use "base or simplify status" and all the old users could use the "skype me" status as usually..
alexpaintartist commented Friday, Nov 20
Thanks to SkypeMe I met a lot of very nice people, and to practice languages it was very good, I cant believe it's over now. It's the worse decission you could have ever toke. Shameful, really...
oklahoma_2008 commented Monday, Nov 30
I think I will reinstall an earlier version of skype because I like to know who is available to chat with. Now I have no clue is is available. Skype me mode was awesome. Was there someone who cried about it or something. I never had my skype me mode checked anyway. But I liked seeing who "WAS" skype me. I think you should find a way to incorporate it back into the options! THANKS!
snoopy.back commented Saturday, Dec 5
I can understand there were some bad facts about Skype Me mode. But I was so surprised when I saw you removed it completely. And I was so disappointed I can’t describe.
I mean, I met a lot of nice people using it, and since it’s no longer available, I haven’t met anyone for a while. That is not nice.
What to do if I am boring so much and I want to meet someone new?
PLEASE return it back… Or find some way to replace its missing as soon as possible.
I love Skype so much, and as I read other peoples comments to this topic, I see a lot of them has the same opinion and we all agree we need it!
iwet.s commented Sunday, Dec 6
Skype without Skype Me is boring. No sense to use, there are lots of other communicators. I cant understand why you removed this mode, nobody was forced to use it. Bring it back please
rnbranch commented Wednesday, Dec 9
Please restore SkypeMe mode. I too found my girlfriend through this button. I also have a friend in the US with whom I am now collaborating on a cook book, and many others for sharing chat, cultural discussions, games, music, links to interesting video clips etc.
A simple parental lock (assuming only the parents have admin rights to install and uninstall - and know what the hell they are doing) would be sufficient to prevent children being hassled in skype me mode - they are much more likely to be communicating on msn, myspace or facebook anyway.
I use skype much less now - removing "skypeme" has made it much less relevant. I never even thought of reverting back to 3.8 but maybe that's what I have to do....
mgomezivaldi commented Wednesday, Dec 9
Congratulations, you just removed one of the most important values from Skype.
Welcome to dull and boring 4.0 Skype.
supermalavox commented Thursday, Dec 10
Besides SkypeMe, another thing from 3.8 is that if someone leaves a conference, Skype would update this and the person would not still be in the group until the end of the call, like it happens in 4.1. At least, when I used Skype 4.1 for the last time, every person who participated in a call with me, until I hung up the last call, kept his/her name in the conference as if they were still there. Anyway, long live Skype 3.8, for everything it has to offer: SkypeMe, full accessibility and updating of the people who are really in a conference call!!!
jetchef commented Friday, Dec 18
I'd love to upgrade but without SkypeMe, Skype loses half the fun. Anybody who was confused over what SkypeMe was would probably have difficulty upgrading anyway.
frontier_steve commented Monday, Dec 21
I agree with most of the comments in this post. I met many great people when Skype Me mode was available. Please bring back Skype Me mode.
momijigeiger commented Tuesday, Dec 22
OK I'm on the Mac client but I gotta throw my 2 cents in here.
I like Skype. It really works great. However, I really wish SkypeMe was NOT in the Mac client either. Why? Well here's an example; I just got a group of my users set up with Skype. It's working great. The only exception was the one user that somehow got her status set to SkypeMe. Her Skype was almost unusable because she got obscene calls every few minutes whenever Skype was running. Not from a single user. From MANY MANY users. I had her switch from SkypeMe to Online and the problem went away.
I know what SkypeMe is SUPPOSED to do. Unfortunately, in my experience it's a huge problem, a complete failure. There are enough wackjobs with Skype accounts out there to completely screw it up. I've added a step to my install checklist to VERIFY that the user is NOT set to SkypeMe. If I could disable it permanently I would. IMO SkypeMe is an interesting albeit stupid idea that should never have made it out of Alpha status. It guarantees messages that you, your mother, your kids, or your boss DON'T want to see will pop up at the worst possible moment. I don't need this kind of headache.
danger.mind commented Wednesday, Dec 23
Please, bring skypeme mode back. don't take features from us. If you think is complex then put it in an advance mode for the users that really knows how to use a computer.
Thanks
sherid_nz commented Thursday, Dec 24
Please bring the 'skypeme' function back - I enjoyed this feature of skype and I am sure most people can work out what it does and they don't need to use it if they don't want to be contacted by random people - Please let people who want to use this function be able to access it - Give the people a choice at least- cheers
franceshemin commented Sunday, Jan 3
Yeah, it is quite difficult for me to have skype without skypeme. Terrible thing... just hope soon there will be ways for us to be connected with the unknown friends.......I just love that surprise that skypeme gives me...
alexia-rose commented Tuesday, Jan 5
Please return Skype Me mode...!!
A number of friends, including myself, are suddenly being contacted (harrassed rather) by people just suddenly trying to strike up a conversation with you. This hardly ever happened when the Skype Me icon was in use. People knew that you were not interested to chat if you were not in Skype Me mode and most respected it.
I understand that there might be some issues regarding sex messages to minors but hey... guess what... they still send you these messages. Only now it happens at random... Instead of removing the Skype Me mode - rather add a "Report user" icon. If a person has x amount of reports against his/her skype name they should be notified that their account will be closed/blocked.
Or skype me could have some kind of password function. This way parents can block the use of it from their children.
Please, Skype Me was not only a fun feature of your program, but it also kept being bothered by complete strangers, from out of the blue, to a minimum.
I'm also very sorry to say but... the coffee corner is NO FUN!!
Viva la SKYPE ME MODE
Thank you
surely_sean commented Sunday, Jan 10
It was thanks to Skype's "Skype Me" mode that I met a girl who I eventually married late last year!! I think removing the option is one of the worst decisions ever made. I'll still be on 3.6 thanks.......
tdavid.scott3 commented Monday, Jan 11
Disclaimer ::
This is a simple, walk through to down grade to a previous version of skype, I can not be held responisble for the loss of any data you may incur by following these directions, and these directions should only be used as a guide line to how to down grade to a previuos version of Skype.
That being typed....
For anyone wanting to go BACK to the skype me mode usability, Here is a short simple tutorial.
1. Quit Skype, right click and 'QUIT' not to be confused with close.
2. Download Skype 3.8 http://www.oldversion.com/download_Skype_3.8.0.188.html
-OR- http://www.oldversion.com/Skype.html to find a version you really liked.
3. Uninstall current Skype, using the Control Panel in Windows. (DO NOT DELETE YOUR HISTORY)
4. Once the download of the previous version is completely downloaded, Install this version.
5. You should not have to set anything up, AND it should automatically log you in. So go and enjoy the Skype-Me mode!
adnoland commented Monday, Jan 18
Bring it back! I want to use skype me but can't use the older versions on windows 7 due to the app crashing.
isata88 commented Monday, Jan 18
Stop whining. I used to skype me often but i'm glad that function was removed. Too tempting lol. However, if I were still pressed for the skype me function, I would have downgraded. Besides, aren't there add-on applications to re-administer this function? Let it go already!
luckyeight888 commented Wednesday, Jan 27
why would u want to be skype by RANDOM people!?!? all of them are PSYCHOS!!!!
there are creepers to...
luckyeight888 commented Wednesday, Jan 27
why would u want to be skype by RANDOM people!?!? all of them are PSYCHOS!!!!
there are creepers to...
eddie73nod commented Tuesday, Feb 2
Skype has punish nearly all it user for the acts of small percentage of its users. This remind of back when I was in the military and my command officer would punish the whole command just because a few mess up. I did NOT like then nor do I like it now.
Being a Macintosh user the removal of Skype Me has directly and indirectly effected my Skype experience. Before I used to enjoy every time I log into Skype because of the possible that I will get to me someone new from all corners of the Earth. Skype has become dull without Skype Me and it feels that I am using Yahoo, AIM, ICQ, and MSN again. Skype got my attention because of multiple platforms it was available, but Skype Me is one of the primary reason I continue using it.
I also did not like when the moved Not Available. To myself and my Skype friend Away and Not Available means different things. Coffee Corner is quite boring compare to Skype Me. It actually takes more work to find someone to chat the before. Have you notice on your Facebook page that thousands of people posting their Skype name because they are looking for someone to chat with. Personally I do not understand why I should have to go Coffee Corner or Skype's Facebook page just to looking for someone to chat with when the program used to do this for you.
I would like to see Skype Me and Not Available to be return back to Skype. I terrible decision to remove them. I rather have the options then have options take away from me.
rbrooks2007 commented Sunday, Feb 7
Are we in a world where we have to protect the stupid and therefore penalize the rest of the world by wrapping everything up in cotton wool rather than educate?
If you don't want to be in SkypeMe! mode then don't select it. It's that simple.
I'm glad for the SkypeMe! mode because I wanted to explore the world and meet new people. If the 3.x versions become unusable I'll just get everyone I know to install QQ instead as that's expanding and becoming international now.
pathguns commented Sunday, Feb 7
I agree. I really want SkypeMe and Skypecasts to be re-introduced again. I think that's what me gravitate to Skype.
If you could do something to prevent people accidentally selecting SkypeMe, like a password (I already thought that there was a pop-up telling you what it was, beforehand anyway) that would make me happy.
Just consider it Thanks.
solmaz_attari commented Saturday, Feb 13
OMG,I also thought that there's something wrong with my installation,Ooops,that was a really bad Idea to remove it!!!
katrina5103 commented Thursday, Feb 25
I guess skype me mode is very usefull!!!!!!!!!!! English is not my 1st language (im russian) and i have a cool opportunity to practise the language while being on skype me mode! Also it is a great chance to find new friends and meet really interesting people!!! and those who think that skype me mode is confusing or annoying or..... We always have a free choice to use it or not! so get back skype me mode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
duygu.yuksel commented Tuesday, Mar 16
Oh very logical reasons... I am sure it has an economical reason more than the so called stupidness of skype users!! If they were confused about its function why didnt you bother to explain it to the forums for the users for paying more attention also to not regular ones! Thats rediculous, WE WANT OUS SkypeMe MOOS BACK!!!!
konchul commented Wednesday, Mar 17
The point i downloaded Skype was for Skypecasts and SkypeMe. I loved it! Then first you remove Skypecasts then you remove SkypeMe... What left is for you to do to mess it up even up more?!... You people are idiots! You have degraded your own product from super cool to cool to utter garbage!
valwbb commented Thursday, Mar 18
one of the reasons I love using skype is the skype me. Since it's gone, skype is no more fun... Please BRING IT BACK!
law245 commented Friday, Mar 19
There are a few features missing besides SKYPE ME mode.Like for example..On my contact list,I can longer see a cam icon beside any contacts who may have one.Another feature missing,If someone has blocked me(sometimes its helpful to know)it does not indicate it with that the old familiar "question mark" status.Also,,when searching now,,profile info is missing,,especially those "webcam links"...
Its obvious that the onslaught of webcam sex in the last 2 years has brought this on,,after all,the new "no SKYPE ME" policy has castrated the oh-so-important searching process.(great analogy!)
I don´t mind admitting that I have indulged in some "less-than-walt-disney-level" antics on Skype,,,(afterall I am single)frankly it was fun a lot safer than cruising bars!Should I lose a privilage because overly protective parents fear their children will see genitals!!?
There are plenty of other chat servers without a feature like skype mode or even a contact search.My kids use MSN,,YAHOO..GMAIL..Skype is not missed by them.
On the other hand,I have noticed that Skype has become a cesspool of webcam solicitors.2 years ago,one could search in Skype mode and find suitable chat mates for what ever purpose,,now searching for female chat mates in Skype mode is an adventure into futility!!99 out 100 "contacts on line"are ficticous profiles with links to"free" webcam sites.Of course it doesn´t help that there is a breed of males who simply cannot control their libidos hence, due to their outrageous behavior,women have obviously complained that instead of "nice man who could be future husband" knocking on their cyber door,they are approached by and adding(before checking profiles)idiotic men who video call them without warning,open their cams and appear graphically indecent!
To summarize,,I think the video is better in vers 4.0.I like how you can chat easily while viewing.
Although suddenly in the last 2 months,my old skype 3.8 stopped receiving images from many countries,(including the USA) whereas using the new skype 4 allows me to view and be viewed easily...is this a marketing trick?
Bring back Skype mode and make searching easy again,,now I don´t know who I am chatting to!!I install 3,8 to search,,add who I want,then update to 4 to maintain a video call,than back to 3.8 to search if necessary!I think I will just dump Skype altogether if you do not improve the update.
law245
chamara.fdo commented Wednesday, Apr 14
Ok I guess I am one of those thousand who are begging you people to understand that SKYPE ME is need back!!! Please reconsider your thoughts about it!! I believe as the many rest from all here that Skype me feature made the skype so unique!!
Anyways please reconsider again and integrate skype me back
steven.hassan commented Wednesday, Apr 14
I can't believe they've removed the SkypeMe mode. It was what (in my mind!) set skype apart from all the other IM progs! As stated why should everyone suffer because people dont know how to use skype? Instead they should have just made it more difficult to turn it on without knowing exactly what it is!!!
Surely that is the answer to this!!
Please bring back skype me mode!!!!!
masood.alokozai commented Wednesday, Apr 21
SKYPE ME PEOPLE!! It is really sad that you removed skype me option please can we have it back as soon as possible if people get confuse with it they simply live in confused world and they are just minority silly who don't know how to use computers.
waffertitti commented Saturday, May 1
I just downloaded the new skype today. I was trying to find 'skypeme' mode, but resulted in no avail. I am not a free user of skype as I always have credits available and have purchased a phone line in the past through skype.
I can understand why a father would not want skypeme for his children (daughters). However, if you don't want them to be bombarded you can select that only people in their contacts can contact them. Also if someone unpleasant contacts them, then show them how to decline and block.
I have met alot of people through skypeme, women I might add who have ADDED me, and me not searching for them. I have also met professors who have contacted me due to my profession to ask me questions, and various other people from around the world.
I am a frequent traveler, so I find skypeme as a valuable asset in making contacts around the world, as I travel often.
Just like any website you cannot blame the website for users misinterpretation or their lack of understanding. The onus is on the user. I would love to see skype me return. This will not keep me away from Skype, as I do regularly use it for phoning home (I am in afghanistan at the moment), I do however find it a valuable feature and would like for it to return.
Thank you
johankruuse commented Monday, May 10
I want that button back now, without that it's no reason to log on at all
jmartinco commented Tuesday, May 11
That's a pity, I met nice ppl by skypeme mode, I mean, I found someone special... (love)
ztonedef commented Sunday, Jun 13
Pleeease Bring Skype me back !!! And Skype Casts !!!!! unique features deserve perfection so why remove them??!
maria.barrios. commented Saturday, Jun 19
I agree with ztonedef!!
PLEASE???
You posted this in March 2009, I think you had time enough to fix whatever the problems were.
PLEAAAAAAAAASE???????????????????????????
ranamehtab commented Wednesday, Jun 23
hi! peter pleas do something so that i can find the online skype users to make good friends ,
please do it before 1st july, if you can.
jstepmobile commented Sunday, Jul 4
Removing the Skype me option was ridiculous. I am a new user and have been trying to find new contacts. After hours searching google and posting on the skype forums to little avail, i read about a great option...no a BEAUTIFUL option called Skype ME. Finally i thought, something that people can use to find me faster, easier, and more efficiently. The community has spoken, they don't like the change so bring it back. the reasons for removing it were umm yea. Haven't the users on here been saying that after choosing the Skype me option a separate window comes up explaining exactly what it is...how then can the statement of "users found SkypeMe! confusing" be justified. I'm just a frustrated new user to skype that has been jumping through hoops to try and find new friends only to find out that there WAS an easier way...
Skype ID: jstepmobile
Email: Jstepmobile@gmail.com
ikools commented Thursday, Jul 15
Bring back the SkypeMe! mode. It has ruined the whole function of connecting with new people and finding contacts and collaborations. Read through the posts and it becomes obvious that is was not a good move to remove this feature. Please hear the voice of your Users and ENABLE THE SKYPEME! MODE
scytherrehtycs commented Friday, Jul 16
SkypeMe is a perfect way to open up the world to people to meet and greet. The reason Skype became popular was do to this functionality. I will probably limit my use of skype for this reason. Of course I have a number of friendships I have developed through SkypeMe but that group of friends can no longer grow unless I skype indiscriminately which I not interested in doing. What skype should do is make everyone in skypeme mode have to enter recognition characters every 20 minutes to stay active. This would eliminate all the porn advertising which is about all you get in a skypeme search. It would be appreciated if you would bring this back with some level of control. If you don't I am sure you will have a competitor soon if they are smart.
hobday commented Saturday, Jul 24
Please bring back SkypeMe! The current search function is also badly broken, it's not possible to search for people based on their online/offline status which makes finding people on Skype next to impossible. Accounts that haven't been used for months or years show up right beside people who are currently online. Very frustrating.
I guess I'll start looking around for a better IM client for meeting people.
erikaway commented Sunday, Jul 25
SykpeMe still persists on macs and is a pain. Even if you have all your security/privacy settings set to restrict incoming calls to people in your contact list, this mode is NOT DISABLED and, it overrides your settings. If you've chosen to restrict access, then SypeMe should vanish or be disabled. Wish I could get rid of it on my mac.
sleepyhouse43 commented Tuesday, Aug 3
Skpe me mode was the only thing that really made skype stand out from the other messengers. I use to have a lot of fun in skype using the skype me mode but now that most people have upgraded to a newer version, its not so much fun. I really hate the fact that skype thought they were doing a good thing by removing it from the new versions. But really all they did was piss off most of their users that were using skype me by pulling the rug out from under us. Skype me mode was a great mixer for single people from all over the world looking for someone to spend time with.
Skype programers if you are reading this, put the skype me mode back in the next version please. Skype use to be really popular with the skype me option but now skype is not even close to being as good as Yahoo for a messenger. If I had to chose between the modern Skype or Yahoo.... I pick Yahoo for the simple fact they are the best messenger on then net in my opinion behind MSN.
Without the Skype me mode, Skype flat out sucks.
andrewmooton commented Wednesday, Aug 25
Please but skype me back in. It what made skype so much fun in the first place now it's ruined.
iamtwo2002 commented Friday, Aug 27
Oh Peter Parkes, com'on... let's just be sincere.
SkypeMe! more wich was "trademarked", meaning it costed you, was removed because it was an easy way to date... and for free.
Either you just don't want to interfere with the "dating-business", or you plan to dip into it too.
So... no more need for Skype for me, as it was the only plus over YM.
Bye.
nono-tan7 commented Sunday, Aug 29
PLEASEEEE put skypeme mode back on!
I used to call people from Japan and practice my Japanese... It was so much better with skypeme mode. People just shouldn't put their status to skypeme if they dont want to be called randomly! It's not that hard! Please release a new skype soon with skypeme mode!
computerrepair commented Tuesday, Oct 5
I've abandoned Skype since Skypeme mode was taken out... I't's likely that I'm not the only one.
sujayghosh commented Wednesday, Nov 3
Hi Peter,
I come from a product engineering background ; and AFAIK some feature are for the users to take care of . SkypeMe is one of those features which should be for the user to decide and not skype. If Skype removed the feature because of privacy concern, ( I respect privacy ) let me remind you that , it is the user who has set the mode to SkypeMe. For those out there , who are thinking that some indecent messages may come because of mode, please note that there is a Trojan virus for Skype.. which is much more harmful.
So Peter , think again on the product roadmap, before removing a feature.
joeeeeyjojo commented Friday, Nov 26
Please revise latest Skype software to include SkypeMe! This was the main reason for me using Skype. It was a great way to meet new people and practice new language skills. After you took it out, I've stopped using Skype. If it is too confusing, allow the user to add/remove this feature himself? What good reason was there to remove something that caused no harm???? Even if you don't use the feature, what made you think other's did not?
seligmann64 commented Saturday, Nov 27
Hi,
I think Skypeme was the BEST tool of skype. There are other application to contact somebody free but to be in contact with open-minded people (often skypeme people) has been the worst thing Skype leader done.
I have used Skype and not Messenger because I found in Skypeme a tool to meet other people. I met people around the world and I have done very good friends.
I improved my english (evenif that is not perfect) and I learnt about other people, other culture, etc.
Now with my W7 I cannot meet other people, that was very interesting to exchange....
By the way the argumentation of Skype leader has for my opinion no sense.
If you use Skype you can add anybody who has got Skype. You can send a message at anybody too. The option Skypeme helpt to know who wanted to be in contact with other.
That was right somes people were strange, but I needed 30 secondes to block this person and that all.
Please, reconsider your position and that should be great that one day somebody of Skype team reply to this topic. It is opened for weeks and anybody take 2 minutes to reply. For my opinion that means Skype does not care at the message posted and does not change of point of view.
ladybird_425 commented Monday, Dec 6
I agree. I was unaware that the perverted messages and calls I was getting were a result of my Skype Me! status. I think Skype should have a warning similar to that of the Do Not Disturb feature informing users of the consequences of this status.
inuyashawindstar commented Monday, Dec 13
I think Skype Me was the best part of Skype I made a lot of friends through it and also I made a lot of friends through the Find option where you could type a persons country or screen name and get a list, right now I am having a confusing time trying to find anyone on skype that is not my friend, I want to be on skype so I can meet new people and also talk to the ones i already know please allow it to be possible for this to happen again.
python1228 commented Monday, Dec 13
Since without SkypeMe, I don't use Skype anymore, can I have my Skype credit refund ?
Peter Parkes commented Monday, Dec 13
@python1228 our support team should be able to help you with that – we’ll be sorry to see you go!
keikoku commented Tuesday, Dec 14
when skypme was removed from ver 4 I went back to 3.8. Today my skype automatically updated itself to ver.5 (even though i didnt approve the update). I researched ver. 5 to see what new options or features it had, and it seems to have LESS than 4, in that not only skypeme was not returned, but search for people was also removed. So obviously the big people at skype have some sort of agenda to prevent skype users from using the program to meet new people. Can you comment on that?? anyway, once again back to ver. 3.8 for me.
jonathan.schwetz commented Saturday, Dec 18
Can't agree more with any of the people in this discussion thread... What you've done is equivalent to chopping off a head because of a toothache... Rethink your actions and add skype me back into the next update and I might actually reconsider leaving. Otherwise forget it, I'm done.
No skype me? I've uninstalled. Enjoy losing your membership.
jonathan.schwetz commented Saturday, Dec 18
Everyone I see talking about reverting to version 3.8, how are you doing it? I want to go back to this version as well so I can talk to new people from diifferent countries... I'm leaving skype if I can't figure out how to go back to 3.8v.
hireatraveller commented Thursday, Jan 6
Hello Skype community,
I would just like to respond to several of you who have mentioned that some skype users are stupid for not understanding the warning message that appears when upon switching one's status to skypeme. I use the latest version of the Skype Mac client and I have to say that NO such warning appeared when I changed my status to skypeme. Within less than five minutes I was contacted by multiple men wanting to "call and show." I didn't see any window popping up where I could search/contact other people and I didn't understand how they were finding/contacting me. Needless to say, I switched my status back to online and it was only in this forum that I learned what skypeme was actually all about.
I have to agree with momijigeiger and erikaway. I would really like for skypeme to either be removed completely from the Mac client or to undergo some major renovation.
itzarelis.albarran commented Tuesday, Feb 1
Thankfully I've got a Mac and still can use SkypeMe mode. But I was talking to my sister on Skype and she was complaining there was no Skype on her PC. She checked and told me the new version didn't had one, I was shocked so i came to see myself. I cant believe this! Please put it back and please don't take it from Mac. I recognize that when I've used it some unwanted people have tried to contact me but I've also have made good friends over seas and i just love meeting people from different cultures. If the problem is child security then put privacy settings or parental block available and display a message when switching to SkypeMe on Mac. But as there are people who don't want SkypeMe there are others that do like it. There are lots of people that have written in this entry about wanting SkyMe back and I assure you that many others feel the same.
haw.kha commented Tuesday, Feb 1
I am very very annoyed because of the removal of skype me ... that was the special feature in skype and when it is gone ...something very important in skype is missing and unfortunately I can't keep the old version because it doesn't work for windows 7
olitta3 commented Sunday, Feb 13
Hello!
I'm a blind person and i am useing Skype since 4 years and i was useing the SkypeMe mode many many times in order to learn english,to find friends from all over the world. to learn about other countrys,cultures,religions... But the most important thing is that i've met my husband while was in SkypeMe mode. Well,since i met him i didn't use that option anymore,but i like to serch for new friends (women) in Skype,but as i see it's quite difficult or not possible to do it in the 4.x,5.x versions. Or maybe there is a possibility and i don't know it? Anyway,hope you can bring back that old Skype functions so that we will not feel forced to install the 3.8 Ver back. Hope to see any good changes...cause till now i see that people r posting messages but no any reply from the skype teem.
Thanks in advance.
abdi.nv commented Monday, Apr 11
You can get version 2.2 Beta for Linux and it still has a Skype Me option