Sure you can use an emoticon to share a smile.

But that's not enough. Skype has launched a campaign to drum up belly laughs, guffaws, chortles, hoots, snorts, titters, giggles, cackles. We want you to fall down laughing, double up, roll in the aisle.

Just plug in your webcam, watch the start of the chain below and film yourself watching it. Send in your video and your laugh could be added to the chain.

Find out more about the Laughter Chain (plus find out how many calories a good laugh burns up) at the Skype Laughter Chain website.

Also, check in on Peter Parkes, the new main blogger for Skype.