All,

At the request of several users, I'm seriously considering adding chat functionality to this board. Before I do, I've got a lot more research to do. I'd like all of you to chime in regarding the following two items:

1. Are you aware of a chat client that integrates well with phpBB? I have looked at 123FlashChat and it looks really good, but isn't free, which brings me to...

2. Are you willing to pitch in a few bucks for the purchase of whatever software we end up needing?

123FlashChat is $200 plus another $10 per month for using their chat server (I don't have a dedicated server). This board is not and never will be a profit center for anyone, but at the same time I can't (won't) let it be a financial drain on me personally. I pay for the hosting and I think that's enough...

For all I know there is a good and free solution out there. I just haven't had time to do much looking around.

RV

N101CS,

I would love to significantly contribute to a one-time purchase, but prefer not to have an ongoing monthly fee for the software, although obviously the software folks may beg to differ. I will actively look for alternatives, but feel free to take me up on my offer to contribute to the initial software purchase.

Bob

PS Other HFA's can chime in and pony up some bucks too!

I'll happily contribute my fair share for this function. When the time comes, PM me with a name/address for the check.

Sincerely,

Dr. HFA

What version of phpBB are you using? 2 or 3?

Bob

N101CS,

I be willing to contribute to both the live chat and the hosting (as long as the contribution would not be too expensive). I not that crazy about live chats, but if thats what the majority wants, I say to go for it. Why should you have this burden alone?

Lucy D

my experience from running bulletin boards of my own (some much larger than this) is that chatrooms don't tend to be used consistently. There is also a risk that people discuss things there rather than in the forum, with the result that potential forum posts (which all can benefit from) are lost. Not a major risk in either case, but worth noting nonetheless.

If you do decide to go ahead, I've used FlashChat

http://www.tufat.com/s_flash_chat_chatroom.htm

and been very happy with it - it'll integrate fully with phpbb. $5 one-off charge

I LOVE the idea of live chat!!!! I would be willing to donate!!!!!!

I'm not a fan of chat either. The posts here are often well thought out and insightful, chats - maybe not so much. And even if they are insightful, I would hate to see all that insight here one day and gone the next. Plus some of these folks post so fast this practically is a chatroom.

But I could change my mind.

I really consider the chat function more of a social thing -- it would be fun to chat with you folks in real time. Also, if people want to chat about things that are particular to their life right now, problems they are having with relationships or whatever, that may not have general relevance to TSM, chatting would be good for that... I really don't see chats as the time/forum for making any major observations or statements about TSM in general. And now that the issue has been raised, I would definitely make sure that anything that is said in the chat room that is relevant to the group would definitely be shared with others...

The live chat is wonderful if someone is having a rough time and needs someone ASAP.