A CH Social Chatroom

[Zylstra]

ComputerRuler just reminded me of an idea I had a while back, a social chatroom for ComputerHope users.

We are thinking about adding a live chat to ComputerHope. This is just an idea right now, but, with everyone's help, it can be much more.

The idea seems to be fine with Nathan, and I was given the okay to post a topic collecting user feedback to find out how many people would actually be interested.
So, the questions:
What do you think? Would you use it if it existed?
(Please vote in the poll as well)

Tell us what the cons that you see are, and the pros.

I was discussing with Calum about it, and we determined that some sort of IRC network would probably be best. A web interface for IRC can be included as well.
We could use a larger network, such as Blitzed.org or Freenode.net, or if we have a few members who know how, we could construct an IRC network out of a few makeshift servers (mine is capable, but I wouldn't want just one server running alone. I think at least three would be necessary)

Since this is about development of the ComputerHope community, I think it can be outside of the "Off Topic" section.

[kpac]

I would definitely use it.

Look at this:

http://www.saviourpc.com/forums/index.php?action=chat

Actually... Never mind. You have to be registered to use it.

[Zylstra]

I know SMF has the ability to have a built in PJIRC like chat client, which automatically logs you on with your nickname being your forum username. I think that would work extremely well, but it would require attempting to add a package to the forums. Since ComputerHope forums are so big, some packages dont work properly, especially since a board converter was used. Board converters have a habit of causing problems.

Still, this could be a very probable option if Nathan would be willing to try such a package when he is able to test it.

[evilfantasy]

How about trying out a shoutbox?

[kpac]

The chat on the link I gave you mightn't be powerful enough if there are a couple hundred users on it.

You would need mutiple rooms in the chat, and a moderator in each room. That raises another issue: If the moderators are monitoring the chat, you would need to hire extra moderators for the forum.

There will be quite a few things like that coming up, in my opinion, and you will have to come up with something else to counteract them.

Good luck, I say.

[Zylstra]

I think one room would be fine. I dont see need to have various rooms unless people want to discuss different topics, its moreover a general chat.

As for Moderators (called "Ops" or "Operators" in IRC) I dont think we need to worry about that unless it becomes an issue.
Chances are, a bot will be put in place with a few presets such as, kick on flooding or excessive language.

How about trying out a shoutbox?

Shoutbox is moreover a Comment system, and isnt exactly live chat.

You might be wondering why we are steering towards IRC:
One major reason is that people can use their own clients, and therefor, it can be run in a separate program, or in a web interface.
The only problem with IRC, specifically if you are using an advanced client, is that quite a bit of it is command line based. However, if a modification were to be installed for the forum, then the forum would greatly assist with the login process.

Most services like Blitzed.org and Freenode have an excellent uptime, and are fairly simple to operate. It would be more complicated for a few CH Members to make our own IRC network to host the CH Chat off of, but, it could be worthwhile. We are still looking into this as a possible option (however, it wouldent be hosted on ComputerHope's servers, since most web server hosts do not allow IRC Servers to be run due to resource restrictions. Basically: We need an expert before we can consider using our own servers.)

[kpac]

I think one room would be fine. I dont see need to have various rooms unless people want to discuss different topics, its moreover a general chat.

I said you might need multiple rooms, because if you have, say, 200 people chatting at the one time.... You won't be able to read what people are saying because it will be scrolling so fast...

The only problem with IRC, specifically if you are using an advanced client, is that quite a bit of it is command line based.

One more problem with IRC, well actually two, but basically the same: malware, and hacking.

[Zylstra]

I see what you meant by "Multiple Rooms", and I think I can agree, but, I dont think that we will have too many users online at once, specifically since we wont offer support at this chatroom.

Malware is only a problem if you accept DCC file requests... I think that can be disabled, but, we will see...

As for Hacking, thats usually an issue related to phishing, eg: trying to get people to reveal their information
Perhaps you can include more insight on these matters to help us determine? Is it moreover a matter of people who dont have a FireWall (in that event, listing your IP publicly is just a bad idea) and that have certain ports wide open.

I noticed someone voted that they would not use it. Could you tell us why? (Eg: Just, your not a chat fan, etc?)

[!~*:.Pink Floyd.:*~!]

I would use it..

[computeruler]

the newegg eggxpert has one and i always use it but on saviour pc im always the only one in that chat lolol i like chats

[stevejohnson1958]

Personally...

If you're looking for a low-cost program, FlashChat should be something you may want to look at.

True...there are times when there is no one in chat at Saviour PC, however...we don't have thousands of members, either.

Integration into SMF is relatively easy...with the option for AI (bots)...if you choose.

It would be better if the rooms were moderated by actual people...since I haven't met a bot, yet, I couldn't recognize.

This system is also a good one to be able to create multiple and private rooms...so, it would come in handy if someone wanted to have a private conversation...or just wanted one-on-one support.

I see you have CraftySyntax installed.  I did, too, at one time.  However, it's not all it's cracked up to be.

Definitely look into FlashChat...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[computeruler]

can i become a mod to help moderate the chat if you use real people cause it was my idea???

[!~*:.Pink Floyd.:*~!]

could I help manage? Pllleeeaasee?

[computeruler]

i asked 1st

[Zylstra]

can i become a mod to help moderate the chat if you use real people cause it was my idea???

Thats a discussion that will have to be taken up with the moderation committee. Chances are, its mainly going to be moderators that have operation abilities.
It could include a wider spectrum of members since there will be less operators on the chat than the forums, but who knows.

Steve, the chat you are talking about seems based moreso towards support. Were just looking for a community chat, how would a flash application like that work for a social chat?
IRC has the ability to have one-on-one chats quite easily, as well as the ability to create your own channels if you wanted to. Theres a variety of things to be considered, thats for sure.