Will the SixApart TypePad hosted blogging service integrate SkypeWeb into their comments system when Skype finally releases their extended presence solution? I've blogged the benefits previously of integrating a Skype identity component with blog comments. Similarly, by creating a www.CommentPings.com to register blog comments, commenters would no longer lose the networking value of their comments as they become searchable. Skype-to-comments would also create the opportunity to introduce solutions for audio comments etc.

SkypeWeb is a new feature of Skype 2.0 that allows Skype users to display their Skype online status on a Web page, email, blog, any other HTML enabled content or any other Internet-enabled application.
 - Skype Developer Zone Blog!

Could SixApart abandon TypeKey in favor of Skype user authentication? Short term, that is probably a longshot. However, this blog would adopt "skype names" as an authentication approach in an instant. It would improve the opportunity for dialogue and offer the opportunity for multichats on any post to be opened (for those that "tick" add me to the multi-chat discussion on this post).

We know there have been discussions between both parties, while recently Skype moved their blogs to SixApart's MovableType platform. It continues to use Skype as its log-in authentication for commenters. Adding Skype authentication adds value. There are some management issues... like authentication to your Skype client rather than the Skype server that would be required.

Typepad and the blogger would get both the advantage of a profile and a more personalized way to arrange contact. It would also provide more opportunities for "commenters" on the same post or blog to introduce themselves. Something current systems with hidden e-mail addresses don't allow.

SkypeWeb, announced last year, will be launched officially in a few weeks. For now you can sign up for the beta at the Skype Developer Blog which will give you access to basic details.

That's enough speculation for tonight.

Is Skype "social media"? My belief is YES! What's more I believe VoIP and Video are about to reframe the whole social media world. Still the other world isn't there yet. They are still struggling to catch up with blogs and how to make money and spread the message in a world where traditional economics are being overturned. I figure if you are reading Skype Journal then you already know something about blogs and Skyping. Chances are you have seen a social networking service or two. Still the social side is about behavior.

This time next week I will be at Blogon. I'm going to see some of those big company people. How one spreads the word is an interesting topic. For my part, I'll be interested to know what advice they promote to companies to retain a supportive blogger community.

Learn how to use social media to create more meaningful conversations with your customers..... hear how major companies such as AOL, Chrysler, ESPN, McDonald's, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Sprint, Sun Microsystems, Unilever and Yahoo! are using social media for business advantage.

Social media is changing the way companies interact with customers and employees. The challenge is how to keep abreast of developments: What applications are emerging? Which companies are breaking new ground? BlogOn 2005 - The Business of Social Media

Let me know if you are going to be there. I'll also be in New York the following week.