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The Site chat.
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
A couple of suggestions for the various TheSite chat's that go on...
1. MOST important to me, and EASIEST to do:
- Post a facebook status on TheSites facebook 15 mins before chat starts.
2. Require forum login for the chat, impersonation not frequent but can happen. Only if name is already taken on the forums, if not no registration required or forum login.
3. Switch to IRC? I wish to be able to chat whilst on a portable device, which i can do through many platforms, i just think IRC is best for everyone. Allows for proper moderation by the admins of the chat. You can have bots and filters, MoTD and rules that show up every time you login. Easy online javawebclients are free, and anyone can use. The Java chat clients that you can use for IRC can be configured so that TheSite chat is default, to keep it easy.
Also, i know that some people are thinking, why should they only do this for you? I'm willing to program, and design everything i've asked for, and submit to TheSite for their approval, only because i know there are a few out there that would enjoy this.
(To be completely honest the current TheSite chat looks like it is just a dumbed down IRC chan, although don't take offence to me saying dumbed down, it's just the best way of being simplified.)
Just my two cents.
1. MOST important to me, and EASIEST to do:
- Post a facebook status on TheSites facebook 15 mins before chat starts.
2. Require forum login for the chat, impersonation not frequent but can happen. Only if name is already taken on the forums, if not no registration required or forum login.
3. Switch to IRC? I wish to be able to chat whilst on a portable device, which i can do through many platforms, i just think IRC is best for everyone. Allows for proper moderation by the admins of the chat. You can have bots and filters, MoTD and rules that show up every time you login. Easy online javawebclients are free, and anyone can use. The Java chat clients that you can use for IRC can be configured so that TheSite chat is default, to keep it easy.
Also, i know that some people are thinking, why should they only do this for you? I'm willing to program, and design everything i've asked for, and submit to TheSite for their approval, only because i know there are a few out there that would enjoy this.
(To be completely honest the current TheSite chat looks like it is just a dumbed down IRC chan, although don't take offence to me saying dumbed down, it's just the best way of being simplified.)
Just my two cents.
Post edited by JustV on
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Comments
As for the impersonation thing, I totally get where you are coming from, but perhaps sometimes people want to remain anonymous in chat, or perhaps hide who they are on the boards etc for whatever reason.
Although ease of access?
You don't have to master IRC, the Java web applets look exactly the same as the current TheSite chat No learning required, unless you want to do more advanced things, but likely won't be available keeping it simple.
And an update on the login with forum information, maybe you only have to login if that username is taken. For example, if i went on TheSite chat, and i put my name as "Fuuubar" it should say "This is name is registered please enter forum password, or pick a different name" Purely, because i've see shenanigans going on.
It strikes me that a lot of users first come to TheSite community through chat and the current format facilitates that very well. I believe - though I may be wrong - that the mods are looking into upgrading so it can be used on mobile already.
Chat works fine, there's never really an issue with impersonation- you can normally spot regulars because you know their writing style. It doesn't matter what username I use (i use variations depending on what mood I'm in) people can tell it's me.
As for IRC, it's a pain in the arse if you don't know how to use it.
Thanks loads for this - great to see you getting in on the chat action. :d
I'd echo piccolo here...
Indeed, Patrick (El_Gringo) has started testing a range of software with an emphasis on mobile use.
In terms of the notification - the Facebook idea is a really good one and I know Wayne posted there when the boards were down beofre so I see no reason why we can't do that from now on. :thumb:
I do also love how the Admins here, reply quicker to a random thread. Than my mobile phone company who i pay £60 a month too. Win
Flash-based chat, Java-based chat, IRC clients - nothing's automatically off limits.
As Arctic Roll and G-Raffe have pointed out- a key concern is simplicity and accessibility. But that said, we're open to considering the merits of any new solutions :yippe:
It's also worth pointing out that we're using chat as a tool for all sorts of other work, such as keeping in touch with volunteers - so your suggestions may be taken up - even if we don't necessarily use them for TheSite.org's chats.
That's cool If you ever need any help and such with these things, or a free web programmer or something. I'm always available to lend a hand.