What's been said in this topic pretty much exactly parallels why I decided to stop participating in chat on the night of March 1st. (wow, that long already?
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Basically, I agree what BC has said. I tried to say something similar in the chat before I left but it obviously wasn't going anywhere. It probably didn't help that there were about 2 or 3 people, 5 at max, active in the room at the time. My 'rant' (and I'm not that proud of it now, believe me) was partially directed at one particular member -- the one who was in the chat at the time -- but it was meant to apply more generally. I personally felt and guessed that some other members felt afraid to help with problems or correct mistakes in chat because they weren't 'regulars' or moderators.
I'm honestly surprised that I was able to even speak (read: rant) for a full half hour without getting at least a kick from somebody. I tried my best to be as respectful as possible but it was really hard to do right then. Lostcoast left near the end of my rant having been quiet for a long time; I don't know how much he saw or cared enough about to intervene.
Speaking of: lostcoast is often said to be the 'only' moderator and he does seem very capable to me from what little interaction I've had with him, despite our differences. But what about the half-ops? There are several, about 5 or 6 at my last count, who have the power to ban or kick users. Again, many seemed very capable, respectful, and friendly to me and others. There were times, however, when some of these people and other members were, IMHO, acting downright rudely to guests and helpers.
The first few months of my relatively short stay in the chat, which started mid-July, were pretty okay I think. People got problems solved, incorrect advice was seldom given and called out on, etc. etc. In the last few months though, more incorrect advice and just bad information was being handed out. It was usually either not corrected, or whoever tried to correct it was shot down. That actually made computerhope look bad to me and rather unfriendly to guests and newer or less privileged members.
TL;DR? I think that all chat participants and helpers, including the mods, half-ops, ops, whatever they want to be called or whatever you call them, should keep in mind that they represent computerhope as a whole. Discouraging guests and other helpers is easier than you'd think, and for the sake of what Nathan has tried to build, please just remember that and try to make guests and volunteer helpers feel welcome and actually wanting to come back, instead of afraid of being yelled at for arbitrary reasons.
I'd say this exact same thing about the forums too, except that it doesn't seem to be a problem there. Whether it's the nature of IRC (likely) or which members frequent the chat (a bit less likely), it seems a much less friendly and encouraging environment than the forums and that's just sad.