Do you need a webcam to use Skype? Can I just IM on Skype?

[any ANONYMOUS forum user]

Do you need a webcam to use Skype? Can I just IM on Skype?

Skype is not the best IM. It uses p2p connections, so message can be delivered too late, if your partner is offline, because there are no Skype servers.

You need a mic to make voice calls. And you need a webcam to make video calls only. So you can use Skype without a webcam if you don't need to make video calls.