Chat Room software and suggestions

[Leila Raven]

We are looking at switching to an external chat application.

If you have any you're familiar with on other sites that you like please do let us know.

 

[14w4qv0qf72x2]

Is this in addition to the current one, or in place of it?   I guess you know that Philosopher's Stone has a 2nd chat room.   I have no clue about the ins and outs of all that.   I don't use it much.  Occasionally I open up the chat window but I can never get the drift of any particular conversation, and I always feel like I'm butting into something private anyway. 

What do you envision using the chat app for?  Anything particular?

[Leila Raven]

This would be in place of the current chat. Currently we have members using chat... but feel chat could be better utilized if managed a bit differently.

We've had issues with bullying and other violations of chat guidelines in chat recently.

We're hoping to create maybe 2 or 3 chat rooms to replace the one. With slightly different focuses. So we can have a chat area that is going to be designated as very friendly and welcoming space with more restrictions language, adult content, and topic wise. Then have another group that is more 'anything goes'. Then perhaps a third chatroom for role playing, astral travel practice, activity minded kind of chatgroup.

We may use the same application for each chatroom, or may have some differences, for instance one may be a video and audio chat room as well as written chat, and another may be written chat only.

If we create our chat rooms based out of groups, (though in their own separate chat area/tab/directory) we will be able to post those chat rooms guidelines more clearly.

We're looking for chat applications that ideally allow members the option of blocking/ignoring members in chat that are 'bothering' them. As this seems to be a problem that comes up from time to time in chat is people not respecting others boundaries.

We'd also like a chat application that allows us to log chatroom activity so we can check on reports of abuse and inappropriate behaviour.

Essentially, we'd like to replace the existing chat with options that will allow us to make better use of chat as well as make the chat experience better for our members that would like to use it by giving them more options.

 

 

[14w4qv0qf72x2]

That sounds all to the good.  I personally don't think the chat is being used effectively either - not there's anything wrong with people with just chatting about whatever, but I have noticed (not on here necessarily) that a few people sort of "claim" it, yet the conversations are just basically silly drivel.  Just my opinion!  LOL   I think it would be neat to actually chat about a specific topic occasionally, sort of like a more real-time version of the topic posts in a group, for instance.  It hasn't been a huge issue for me because I am usually not that free to participate in the chats anyway, even though I'd like to and would be up for trying something like that.  I'm working and often get interrupted by something I need to see to, but I don't imagine I'm the only one who has thought this.  Unfortunately I'm no techie, so I don't have any helpful knowledge or advice to give that would facilitate the tech end of this.

[Leila Raven]

Definitely as we grow, it might be nice to have 'scheduled chats' for discussing specific topics or interests. Or even if we have someone who is very experienced in an area, we could have chat used to teach classes, especially if we have a video chat set up. Someone can demonstrate things in chat, etc.

Right now though my main concern is addressing some of the complaints and concerns members have had with chat around unwanted contact or bullying so that people can have more control over their chat environment. :)

[14w4qv0qf72x2]

Agreed.  You know, the thing I like about the chat feature as it is now is that it's so accessible.  I have been on other sites with chat rooms that you have to sign into, and for whatever reason, there is never anyone in the chat room!  It's weird.  The only time it gets used is for a scheduled chat.  There must be a happy medium somewhere in there.

[16fkggbppy4wy]

I would like to be able to cut/paste a chat so that I could easily show the world that I have nothing to hide without being maimed out of context...or maybe be able to have friend(s) with Understanding observe as I test the waters, so that I have a witness and an alibi in the execution of love.

[16fkggbppy4wy]

I would love to be able to personalize the emoticons and expand the selection to avoid feeling so redundant.

[Leila Raven]

Thanks for feedback, we're fairly limited in options right now, as extensive features and customization would mean an expensive program we can't afford... but we think we can come up with a better system than we have now perhaps. :)