Forum Discussion

Zoffiel's avatar
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago

Would a live chat option work?

I'm wondering if a live chat side bar might be a useful thing. I know it raises some issues for the moderators, but watching the development of some of the threads, I wonder if that might be a way to meet the needs of those who just want to have a natter that doesn't really contribute to targeted conversations.

I know that some threads are operating as default chats but, and this is a bit of a codger thing, it can be a bit disconcerting to log on and find 80+ notifications. TBH, I've lost interest in tracking back through them when a good many don't relate to the original conversation. This is not a criticism, its just an observation. I also wonder if late night lurkers, who are also often new members, may feel more comfortable being able to participate in a non-themed chat session. It would also mean if we, and I also mean I, want to connect, it doesn't mean jumping form thread to thread.

Just throwing it out there for consideration. Marg

 


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  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    8 years ago
    Years ago, pre Facebook I was in a fish forum for aquarium fish. As an added extra to this forum the server offered it a free live chatroom. I was a moderator for it and it was marvelous. It even had the feature you could link in photos. I gained good friends who I still correspond in private messages daily on Facebook. Sadly the forum is not operating any more, nor the chat room.
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    8 years ago
    You're right @zoffiel.  Sometimes I click on a post and have no idea what it started as without going back (and I'm a very impatient person) but I'm definitely an offender when it comes to going off topic although it often seems relevant when I'm typing it.  But I have to say that your humour, appropriate or not, in my experience is very welcome - it often helps to take a shot at something while you're screaming, and can make a big difference as to whether you sink or come up for air.
    So, it's knowing when to draw the line, I think and take a convo off to another space.
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    I'm a topic wanderer from way back @sister :) I would like to be able to drop into a conversation without checking what the tone and topic was 9 pages ago to try (not always successfully) not to put my foot in it by ...well the options are endless but usually centre around my not always appropriate sense of humour.

     Live chat works well on a couple of other sites I occasionally use--the topic is the topic at the time so anyone looking for specific information doesn't get bamboozled by random discussions. It would be best, i think, if the chat was only available for members. There may well be technical or policy issues that would get in the way. Mxx
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    8 years ago
    Sounds like a good idea as I am certainly guilty of meandering.  
  • Mira's avatar
    Mira
    Member
    8 years ago
    I agree with a chat option, it does get hard to follow threads where people go off on a side topic.  Though knowing when to take something to chat and when to post on a thread might be a bit tricky at first. 
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    8 years ago
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    8 years ago
    Great idea @Zoffiel as the midnight to dawn shift in particular is very popular - I’d thought of suggesting a group for it. Am not sure what a chat room is exactly but might be the ticket too.
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    8 years ago
    I'd support that suggestion. Some threads that I look at and soon see the post has gone awry and I don't read it.  Some are in excess of 600 comments others 50, 70 and I haven't even hit on them.
    Everyone means well and I am guilty of doing the same, going off topic, however I do feel I am probably not contributing like I was and feel I should.
    Probably not an easy fix