Idea

This has been suggested many times....

And doesn't it sounds cool?

I think it's a neat idea. Why haven't you guys considered it?

This idea has been dropped multiple times because the point of the forums are for an archive of information that is always available. A chat group wouldn't keep that information. There is also the problem of moderating the chat sessions.

I don't know if JP will re-consider or not, but I am just telling everyone why it hasn't been considered in the past...

Dalnet has chanserv which can register channels. That should solve the take over problem.

I'm sure a lot of people here wouldnt mind to mod the channel.

And we could have a special section on TWF like they do in #perl where we could post chat logs.

Well, I think that the forums are a good, presentable idea [and Orpheus provides another good solution,] but there are also cases where information would be given in real time. Because, as most of you realise, most of the information that is presented in the forums [in regards to answered questions] is pretty much tailored for each problem.

However, I think the chat line is a good idea, the forums are my territory [I still want WF Conquerer for my user title!] and I think that we should combine the two to speed up help.

[Pant, pant.]

http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/chat.php3

What about setting up more of a community then an IRC channel? I know ICQ and a few other programs like that have the ability (I think most of us have ICQ). I’ve never used ICQ’s but I believe it’s fairly manageable and you can access it from a Java applet, which we could do for IRC as well.

How about Firetalk?

I use it regularly to speak to a 'sitemaster' friend in Canada and it works fine. With Firetalk you can also set it up on your web site like a help desk solution.

Just my 2p's worth from the side line

Oh just in case http://www.firetalk.com/

ICQ, and firetalk are both good. But IRC is kind of universal to everyone. I mean, there are few people who still don't use IRC.

Plus IRC scripting is fun.

Please consider that some of us live in different parts of the world. Any chat mode will make it difficult to overcome the time difference.

Besides, personally, I feel that forums are more serious then chats. I really enjoy the TWF and often come for advice.

Anat.

There are IRC servers in all parts of the world.

That's not the problem.
The problem is the time differences (different time zones).

Ah, yes. Well i'd have to agree with you seeing as how i'd be in school right now if it wasn't a holiday.

Yeah.. I guess I'm lucky in that respect... I work from home now so I'm always at my computer (with a permanent internet connection).

So mr. stones What do you think?

Yes, this idea has been considered a few times, but each time has been shot down. I've always said "no" to the idea, but have since changed my mind. I've seen how SitePoint has setup this, and it hasn't taken away from the number of posts at all. Most of the time people aren't even talking about webmaster stuff, just hanging out and having a good time. I think it's a good idea. The moderator thing can be solved by just making moderators here at TWF moderators in the chat room. I say test it out for a week or two, then make a final decision.

Yup.. I’d say give it a shot and see how it works out. If we could integrate it so that it has a link up top saying how many users are on-line (like it does currently) and how many are currently in the chat room that would be great.

I forgot about the thread

So is one going to be set up?
I wouldn't mind chatting in real time with all you guys/gals.

Another plus is that if you have an URGENT problem, you can get a quick answer [assuming someone knowledgeable is in the chat at that time].

yeah I think you should give a try! It would be nice jus to have a place to hang.

Ravi

I set up a channel my self. connect to dalnet and go to #webmaster-forums

it's registered, and once all the mods get there i can set auto ops.