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

 


20 Replies

  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    Ah, now I understand what you meant @arpie .

    My main concern, like most of the others who have posted on this thread, is that anyone who is using the search function gets the information they are looking for, rather than all sorts of extra bits and pieces which could be baffling to anyone who hasn't been here for a while. The sense of community here is a true pleasure, but it is not always what people come for in the first instance. It's possible my librarian heart likes things to be classified :)

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Zoffiel
     .... I think the chat rooms are all written, same as these ones, not phone calls - but there may not be that 'review' button to change something that 'doesn't sound just right' - or a rethink needed now & then on what has been 'written'?   If it works the same as this - that you can take your time answering - and edit it both before AND after posting ...... no worries!   ;)   

    It will take a lot of 'clutter' from the original post that may have some vital info for everyone - but may not be read by everyone because of the 'chatter' ..... so I guess if going 'off tangent' - just post a comment 'Chat Room' & those who want to continue 'off topic' can go there, whilst others can follow the original post, as written.  :)  

    cheers
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    I'm just thinking about text, not someone phone calls. 'Sticking' an open thread on the top could be an option, @mum2jj , good thinking. Mxx
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    8 years ago
    @mum2jj
    Brilliant alternative!  And it could be 'stickied' up the top as well, so really easy to find & see any new posts.

    That is a Great idea, if an actual chat room is not available - I can see a few reasons why it may NOT be 'sanctioned' - specially if 'wrong' advice may be given unintentionally ...... with everyone one being extremely emotional - it could have longterm or bad consequences.

    With the written replies, we can review them & edit them before (or after) we post it ...... with the spoken word - you can't take it back once it is out there!!  :(  
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    8 years ago
    Good points girls, or maybe if we can’t have a live chat we could have a thread called “ I just feel like a chat”  and if other chats start to go off topic we could suggest taking it to the feel like a chat thread, if that makes sense. 
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Marianne_BCNA
    @Giovanna_BCNA
     
    Can you please let us know the options here ..... I agree with the others it is something that could work well for people when they want to have a discussion where you are not continually having to reload the page. 
  • Janny54's avatar
    Janny54
    Member
    8 years ago
    I could of done with a chat line yesterday when I had a mini melt down for no real reason. Someone who really understood would of been helpful.
    Sounds like a great idea to me.
    Xx
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    Oddly, @Brenda5 that is one of the things on my 'risk' list for a chat line--that there may be the tendency to confuse conversation and community connection with the sort of targeted advice offered through the phone lines. Like all ideas there can be reasons why it hasn't already been done that are not obvious at first thought.

    I guess if the mods are plowing through all the posts anyway--which must be a sizable job when there is a group of us churning around in the early hours-- it may not be an issue as there would still be a safety net to pick up on anyone who needs individual attention.

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    8 years ago
    I must admit I am far better at typing a conversation than I am at having one as with chemo brain, I tend to blurt out absolute rot sometimes in a live conversation and often totally wrong words come out to what is in my head. Perhaps a live chat could be an option rather than tying up live bnca phone lines?
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    8 years ago
    I've never really used a chat room tho my kayak fishing site also has the option - but think it would be a terrific option to have.  

    I think we've all 'wandered' from the topic now & then ..... 

    Yep, the late night owls & lurking newbies would definitely benefit from it, I reckon!  ;)