Hi all,
Just wanted to mention a free app named VORail which is available for IOS
devices. It works like a mailing list, in that a person posts an initial
message which begins a thread which others respond to, and there are no
restrictions as to what material may be discussed, but the key difference is
that all communication is done by posting voice messages instead of text
messages. It really does change the experience of communicating; it seems
to me to avoid a lot of the misunderstandings which can occur due to not
easily being able to convey the correct emotional content of the message
with text.
I've enjoyed getting to know people from all over the world, and of course
you can send other users private messages as well as these public postings.
I've seen an enormous variety of topics, from "help" requests for everything
from computers and phones to kitchen gadgets and ham radios, as well as
"help" requests from those who are new to blindness and just want some
advice.
A very quick intro to the app would mention that initially you are asked
some info about yourself (and you can give your real name or a "handle" as
you like), and then the main screen appears with tabs across the bottom for
you to choose from.
The tabs let you see every message posted publicly (called the "feed"), just
a list of the threads (which they called "questions"), your private inbox,
and then a couple for settings and designating who you "like" as a friend.
It's very easy to use, and I am afraid it was initially incorrectly
described by some early users as "internet dating". This is certainly
possible, but by no means the primary topic of the majority of posts.
So, if you want to make new friends, give it a try; you've got little to
lose except friendship.
Chip
