Guideline for Skype guests

This is a great blog post on what to tell people who are coming on your show via Skype..

http://www.richardfarrar.com/podcast...es-for-guests/

Reduce Unwanted Noises

Mute your cell-phone, or preferably switch it off altogether
Close all programs on your computer that make sounds, e.g. email, Facebook etc.
In your Skype settings click the “Mute all sounds” button on the “Sounds” tab to eliminate Skype sounds from the podcast
Close external windows and doors to minimize noises from outside
Ask anyone in the house to be quiet whilst you’re being interviewed
Switch off TVs, radios and stereos, or turn their sound right down
Switch off noisy air-conditioning or fans
Don’t fidget: eliminate chair noises, table kicks, pen clicks, paper rustling etc.
Use a room with soft furnishings rather than an echoey room like a kitchen
Close the curtains / drapes in your room as this helps to reduce echoes
Don’t touch your microphone during the interview
Use headphones (e.g. your MP3 player’s ear-buds) instead of your computer’s speakers so your microphone doesn’t pick up an echo of the interviewer’s voice

I think providing guest with a guideline to follow is great. Headphones and a proper microphone go a long way

You forgot the two MOST important ones. I can live with a noise here and there, but when the quality goes down, that's a disaster.
1. Do not connect via wireless if at all possible, use Ethernet cord to connect.
2. In today's reality, turning all programs that make sounds on your computer is not enough. Programs that do not make sound will kill your connection too (backup) Ask the guest to instruct their family not to use the internet for the duration, and turn their PC's (and Macs) off if they can. They can watch/listen to the interview later.