I've been on sites before that have a sort of live feed 'chat' function, on top of the forum stuff. Basically a continual conversation feed that's updated like a chat lounge, with those who are online at the same time. I think this would be a great addition to Cancuncare, not just for regulars but for newbies to feel part of the group sooner. That being said, I understand it could attract all the weirdos and creepers though! I've no idea what controls re social, cost or other restrictions would limit this but I'd welcome it as a nice addition to the Cancuncare franchise if it could ever be put in place.
I remember a similar request a year ago, forget what the outcome was , but we now have a semi open CC FB page that semi serves that purpose. I think you have to be friends to chat ?? I know the PM on here takes time and is not instant.
A mute function can take care of creepers real quick. Also there are a lot of us regulars here I am sure that we could keep a chat in line. Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
Would also keep us regulars online in the downtime. All the fun we create would only multiply the business!
Yeah it's something that's been mentioned before and I'm still a bit undecided for various reasons.There are lots of different ones available ranging from free to $3000+ some including webcam functionality etc. About 10 years ago I experimented with a chat room and it got abused, people pretending to be me, offensive comments, arguments, spammers, creepers etc. Back then I used a free version, nowadays the options are much better and more sophisticated. I also don't mind paying out for a good system if it does the job and helps the community rather than hinder. That said I still have to think about: - would it decrease the amount of posts and conversation actually on the forum in written form? - would it increase server load to an extent that deteriorates the performance of other parts of the forum? - can it be moderated 24/7? - does it introduce security vulnerabilities - will it increase the amount of support I need to give, explaining to people how to do this or that? - is it compatible with phones and tablets? Another issue is, this forum platform (Vbulletin 3) is getting outdated - it's still supported in terms of security updates but no new functions are being added. Vbulletin have versions 4 and 5 out now but hardly anyone uses them (esp Version 5) since most forum admins consider them a step back rather than step forward. Cancunswingers uses Version 4 and I think this version is far superior. I may look to moving to a new platform entirely but that also brings with it a host of potential problems and a steep learning curve for both me getting things transferred, the set up etc and also the membership in using a new system. For those who use other forums with chat functions they think are good please can you provide a link (PM if you prefer) and I'll check out what they use and see whether it might work here.
Almost peed myself from laughing so hard, lol. We use something called Pidgin at work...pretty basic but it gets the job done. Not sure on the back end requirements but my work is cheap (gov't) so it can't be to much, lol. Pidgin, the universal chat client Scott
