Chat Function?

tease · Dec 26, 2013

Chat room would be a great idea other than I know the chat room we use now for other than vacation reasons gets about 15-20 people chatting on it and those new or not used to it can't come close to keeping up with the conversation or usually multiple different conversations

CJohnson · Dec 26, 2013

Steve said: ↑

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Another issue is, this forum platform (Vbulletin 3) is getting outdated - it's still supported in terms of security updates but no new functions are being added.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.
Click to expand...

VB 4 will certainly take some effort, but I agree it is worth it. My suggestion for an implemented chat is, no guest chat. Only registered members, and even registered members that have posted to a "Introduction" specific thread. This ensures everyone gets a warm CCC welcome, and weeds out bots. If you need any help with VB 4, or moderating a intro thread, let me know.

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Chat Function?

tease Addict Registered Member

CJohnson Regular Registered Member