Skype is mainly used for "video to video calls", but it doesn't work by default in ubuntu because a simple command is not set up correctly, thus Unaccessible to non-tech users.
The current working command for webcam support in ubuntu 11.10 is:
env LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/i386-linux-gnu/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype
This command (or equally functional) needs to be default for the launcher/shortcut.
This is an easy fix and should be marked as high for the skype package and as papercut.
Worse, this problem has been ignored for years. V2V calls work great on windows and mac, but not in ubuntu. Skype is a CORE app for many users.
This specially makes ubuntu (and YOU) look bad when you introduce it to a potential user...
Silly bug that should had been fixed a long time ago (no matter who YOU blame, is easily fixable now). Don't postpone it again, specially for the next LTS.
Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.