One of those friends you really trust recently pointed ooVoo as an alternative to Skype. This is what you can read on their website:
ooVoo makes it easy to have a video call with those you want to keep connected with. Video chat face-to-face anytime with your ooVoo contacts or have a free browser-based online video call with friends who aren’t on ooVoo yet. Video call up to twelve friends, family members or colleagues at the same time – with video quality that’s like being face-to-face in the same room.
Well, I’m starting to use it and looks pretty good to me. Sound quality is great plus mobile appas and multiple video conferencing. Good for your empty pockets in this economy!!!!