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Adding a chat room to the Russian Meeting Place website?
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Posted by: Yozhik

Hi Khashyar/everyone,

I am not sure of the feasibility of this idea, but I thought that it could be an idea to have a chat forum on the site? I'm not sure what other members would think of it, but perhaps it would be accepted as a good idea for alternative interaction, and talking about anything Russian.

I'm no expert when it comes to web design, and I really have no idea of the costings involved, but I think it could possibly add another dimension to the site, and likely attract more members. Perhaps even interaction between some of the member seeking future partners on the personals section?

I've had a really long think about possible alterations and additions to the site, and this is the only idea (whether feasible or completely out of the question). This just goes to show what a first-class site this is. Hats off to you Khashyar, and to Lena too of course

Keep up the great work

Posted by: Khashyar

Hi Simon...

Thank you for your suggestion about adding a chat room to the website...

I have thought about adding a chat room to the website, but then I thought that a chat room could take away from the communication (and thus presenting of helpful information) in the forum...

I could set this up (I actually would be able to use a basic chat software that is available through my website's server)...

I am also not sure about how much bandwidth (in gigabytes) that this would add to my website's total bandwidth used (I am limited to the amount of gigabytes that are accessed and used on my website, although I am only using about half of my total alotment so far.....)

I am open to how everyone feels about this, but my feeling is that setting a chat room would take energy away from the forum, which really does provide useful and helpful information to others....

But, others' feedback is welcome regarding this, and thank you for your suggestion, Simon...

Khashyar

Posted by: klawsite

Adding a chat room would be fun, but I am like Khashyar, it may become a distraction form the Forum itself. Now perhaps an instant messaging popup!! That way if you want to give a shout out to a friend and say hi.. That may be cool, and I don't think it would detract much from the Forum perhaps.

Hmm.. IM could be cool!!

-Kevin

Posted by: Khashyar

Kevin... Yes, an enhanced Instant Messenger function would be a positive addition to the website and forum, I agree...

In a few months, there will be a new version of this forum software that we use, and... it may have improved Im capabilities.... I will have to check...

Regarding chat versus forum communication: I also like the depth that results in forum communication as opposed to chat communication....

Although chatting is certainly fun and a real time form of communication, I feel that writing posts in a forum and responding to others written thoughts results in more thoughtful and ultimately helpful discussions between our members...

Thought, again, I have considered adding a chat function in the past myself...

Thanks for the feedback...

Khashyar

Posted by: Yozhik

Hi Khashyar/Kevin,

I agree that a chat forum might well be a distraction from the forum itself. Kevin, the IM suggestion is a great compromise, so we could for example say hi to our friends once in a while, although I think Khashyar and Lena would likely be bombarded by everyone on the site when online!

Perhaps a vote on the IM idea would be an idea?? I think it would be an idea to collate everyone's thoughts on this, and take it from there.

Again, I do agree that a chat forum could take much away from the site itself. It would be easy to by-pass many of the open threads and go straight to a chat forum, where any advice and help would not be shared as they are in the threads currently.

I'm certainly hooked on the idea of an annual meet of members of this site, and I'm sure the majority of the guy's on this site would love to attend this with their Russian/FSU girlfriend/fiance/wife.

Si

Posted by: Khashyar

Hello Simon...

An annual meeting of people of this site would be a great idea.... Perhaps we could arrange these meetings in different countries according to where people could more easily meet...

Let's continue to communicate about what the best way might be to integrate a pop-up type of IM in the form....

I will check the features of the new forum software once it is available...

Thanks for the feedback...

Khashyar

Posted by: Yozhik

Hi Khashyar,

I think a meeting point in different countries would be more viable than everyone meeting in L.A. (For example).

Example; all members from America/Canada could meet in Los Angeles, and all European/Russian/FSU members could meet in London/Kiev/Moscow. This of course, is an example, as I think every member would like to travel to L.A. with respective partners (visa issues being the tallest hurdle in achieving this).

I will enquire at my workplace regarding pop-up IM capabilities. I think the idea would work very well, however, I do feel that members should have the ability to choose as and when IM's can be accepted (and by whom) etc. as I feel we need to steer away from becoming a chat forum. As I realised with Kevin (Klawsite) and Khashyar's comments, this forum is an invaluable way of exchanging information and advice with each other, so I think an IM facility could add another dimension to the site, provided it is controlled, and the forum does not become a full-blown chat-room.

Si

Posted by: ConnerVT

I understand not wanting to dilute the forums, by having people in a chat room. I also appreciate that RMP is still just beginning, and that everything that's posted helps build up the archives, but I believe that a chat function would be a good addition.

After the initial newness of a chat room wears off, I think you will find that it would be used only sparingly. This is the case with another well established RW forum. Most anytime during the week, you'll find yourself standing in that chat room by yourself. They have a designated day/time that's a kind of "let's all meet here at..", when you will find some of the regulars will then chat.

I found that the types of conversation in the chat room are different than you will find in threads. Perhaps people are a little more free with what they say, as it won't be documented and archived for all to read in the future. The difference between writing a letter, and having a casual conversation. It's another way for people to get to know one another.

If your software will allow it, you may consider having a chat room that's only open at certain times, ie. two hours a day, or for several hours on a weekend. This "virtual get together" should not impact the participation in the forums, and perhaps would inspire more people to contribute more.

Posted by: Jutman

It would be some fun, but a general chat, there is open 7-24 I think its a bad solution. because look at the number of people who are online at one time. Few !!

So to avoid problems with your bandwidth and still offer the servcie, I would recommend a schueduele. With various times during the weeks like:

Exampel:

Even weeks:
Monday 8PM EST.
Wednesday 10PM EST.
Friday 6PM EST.

Uneven weeks:
Monday 6PM EST.
Wednesday 8PM EST.
Friday 10PM EST

and let the chat run for 1 to 2 hour.

Then make a small forum, where people can ask/tell who will be on that day. Like I say. Monday I be at the chat, others?

That it would be a simpel and easy chat, I think its a good thing, maybe an advantage.

Then you still leave focus at the messageboard.

BR Brian

Posted by: Leprechaun

Its an odd thing how grown adults will behave when they are anonymous with a username instead of a real name...
thats the down side to chats but with good moderation well they are great

Yep Jutmans Right about opening times, a fine idea.
but weekends only friday sat or sunday, most people are at home on a sunday and 2 hrs is prob the best.

the only problem being does your servers free software allow
preset times for chat or an always on solution.
Im guessing its PHP chat and i dont know if thats suitable.
there are some free scripts and pay yearly/lifetime scripts

It would also bring members closer and make us more of a community.

hope that helps.

Posted by: clever1

Here's another angle to the chat room scenario, It would give the wives a chance to comminicate with each other, while the spouses are at work, they could ask each other questions about how they are coping, all sorts of things, and give them the feeling that they are not alone.

John

Posted by: Leprechaun

A while ago I noticed a good few members on, so i posted a link to a free chatroom, we all hopped in for an hour, was good fun, mostly giving each other a bit of funny abuse, well it was 11pm on a Saturday evening and we all had a few beers in us.

Posted by: mistermopar

Well my view on a chat forum,it can be a good thing,but I also think that we may lose some very good info that could be posted on the sitefor others to view at a later time.

Just my opinion guys.

Randy

Posted by: clever1

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermopar

Well my view on a chat forum,it can be a good thing,but I also think that we may lose some very good info that could be posted on the sitefor others to view at a later time.

Just my opinion guys.

Randy

I don't think so Randy, as Lep states in his post, I think the chat room would be more for light hearted banter, with some FSU questions and answers thrown in.

But I think it could be invaluable for wives or girlfriends miles away from former homes to chat to others in the same position.

John

Posted by: clever1

Also don't forget it could cut down available time for that other well known pastime of women...........................retail therapy

Thereby saving wear and tear on your wallet........lol

John

Posted by: Leprechaun

Quote:

Originally Posted by clever1

Also don't forget it could cut down available time for that other well known pastime of women...........................retail therapy

Thereby saving wear and tear on your wallet........lol

John

ack just back from the shops, wish that chat room was here for the past 3 hours.

as i said earlier, a log of the chat could be posted.

Posted by: Khashyar

I can look at the best software to install for a chat room (and the costs of the software)...

Khashyar

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

"Well my view on a chat forum,it can be a good thing,but I also think that we may lose some very good info that could be posted on the sitefor others to view at a later time."
ditto

Chat IM is fun and I do it for hours with Russia each day; however, if future information was posted and lost on chat, I could not research topics that are available in the forums. This was an important feature of RMP for me and I would hate for that to be harmed by everyone going to a chatroom.

Posted by: mistermopar

Would it be possible to have a chat room that is open on certine days and hours,there for limiting the time spent in the chat room and still being able to post alot of good info.

Say a Wed. what ever hour to what ever hour, and Sat.same thing for hours.
Maybe three times aweek.

Just an idea.

Randy

Posted by: mistermopar

Quote:

Also don't forget it could cut down available time for that other well known pastime of women...........................retail therapy
Thereby saving wear and tear on your wallet........lol

Ya,good one John.......LOL

Randy

Posted by: rnmedix

i wouldn't bother with a chat room. there aren't enough people on the site for it to be worthwhile. honestly, every time i see a board with a chat room, the chat room is always dead.

nice sentiment though.

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

rnmedix has a point.
Often only 2-3 people appear to be online.
Perhaps the moderators can see more than we can, for I only know how many by seeing postings.

And also the idea of a chat log is very good too.

There might be a need to have the ability for some current threads to be made private for special circumstances, for a short period if possible.
You never know when someone

needs special attention, and additonal parties can be harmful.

Posted by: martin3030

Suppose there are plus and minuses for this.
Could it form an extension to the RMP boards ?
Seems that the RMP has managed ok without 1 up to now,and maybe it would be ok to do a chat session at certain times as Lep organised.
Problem of course is that some members are limited as to when they can get time to come here,so its fair to say that a fully up and running chat site would bound to affect postings on the main boards.