Realtime Chat facility

MidnightCommando · 07-03-2009, 05:15 AM

Hi everybody.

I've got to say first of all on this one - yes I have an agenda to push with this suggestion.

OK. Forums are very very nice things, especially when you're used to them and the unique sense of community a well-managed forum such as PF may provide.

BUT - sometimes one just wants to chat randomly, and that's not something forums are very well suited to.

I've always been partial to IRC myself, given there's a client for pretty much every type of computer devised since the 80s, and so, I ask, would PentaxForums perhaps be benefitted, or would its users appreciate, an IRC chat room?

(of course a java irc applet can be placed somewhere for those that don't have IRC clients on their computers)

(This is where my agenda comes in to play)
If you guys are interested, get in touch, I'm admin on a small and friendly IRC network where you'll find us quite accomodating. (going on one and a half years!)

**Adam** · 07-03-2009, 06:54 AM

While I personally think that hosting a chat service on a forum site completely defeats the purpose of forums, it wouldn't be too had for me to implement an off-to-the-side chatbox here if you guys would like it. I think that IRC is pushing it a bit, though- why not use an off-site IM system for extended conversations?

MidnightCommando · 07-03-2009, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Adam

While I personally think that hosting a chat service on a forum site completely defeats the purpose of forums

Forums are generally good places to go when you want to post something and (generally) get thought out responses. I always considered IRC to be rather more spontaneous.

Originally Posted by Adam

I think that IRC is pushing it a bit, though- why not use an off-site IM system for extended conversations?

I can see your point, my main idea was kinda "hey, let's see if anyone else is feeling chatty" *click* *log on* "oh hey, a bunch of pentax people i can get along with!"

As said, just throwing the idea out there along with an offer of my services.

I can't say that IM appeals to me too much, I mean I make all my IM stuff public because that's the sort of reckless e-person I am, but cybersafety 101 is don't give out personally identifiable details. Hence the idea of a safe space for spontaneous assembly and discussion.

Anyhow, thanks for the consideration, and if perchance your stance on this does change, or others express a similar clamour, you know where to find me, if I'm not out trying to get my K20D to stand on its head

summatusmentis · 07-03-2009, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by Adam

why not use an off-site IM system for extended conversations?

I've found that IM systems often aren't directly transferrable to Multi-user chat terribly well. Ultimately though, I don't expect the technology matters a whole lot, but I too would prefer IRC.

IRC has the benefit of having one spot where everyone can gather, whereas (unless I'm mistaken) IM would require planning and coordination of a user chat, thereby allowing exlucsion (or forgetting) of people who may be interested.

In essence, +1 on IRC from me.

*emr* · 07-03-2009, 08:49 AM

So why not just start a Pentax IRC channel somewhere else and possibly promote it here if it's OK by Adam? I figure it would be just more work for him and would not necessary integrate very well to the forum.

MidnightCommando · 07-03-2009, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by emr

So why not just start a Pentax IRC channel somewhere else and possibly promote it here?

That was an idea that had floated into my head, but I did also want to gauge interest in the idea.

**Adam** · 07-03-2009, 12:40 PM

If there's good interest I could go ahead and set up an IRC server on our site here, so let's hear it from more people! I'm always on the prowl for things that the site is mising, and though I didn't previously believe so, maybe this is it?

netuser · 07-03-2009, 01:07 PM

Another go for the IRC channel

niklas · 07-03-2009, 01:48 PM

I would use a chat occasionally if the option was there.

Niklas

**Damn Brit** · 07-03-2009, 03:01 PM

It would be a plus from the point of view that some of the conversations in threads (in General Talk for example) that people are averse to could be carried out in more privacy.

MidnightCommando · 07-04-2009, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by Adam

If there's good interest I could go ahead and set up an IRC server on our site here, so let's hear it from more people! I'm always on the prowl for things that the site is mising, and though I didn't previously believe so, maybe this is it?

lol, you wouldn't need to be setting up an irc server, just a little applet linking to where the actual pf channel is, but ... whatever you feel best. my offer still stands.

MidnightCommando · 07-04-2009, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Damn Brit

Gary is my name, I want a lens so wide that when you focus to infinity you can see behind you.

OT:
6mm fisheye-nikkor on a full-frame nikon body, it's got a field of view of 220° and it's damned expensive. as in, better off buying a mansion.

**Adam** · 07-04-2009, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by MidnightCommando

lol, you wouldn't need to be setting up an irc server, just a little applet linking to where the actual pf channel is, but ... whatever you feel best. my offer still stands.

Once I get home from vacation we'll pick this up. Either I'll make a page with an applet (as you said) that connects to the channel you're offering, or I can start up a new server here. After all, we don't have an 8-core Xeon server for nothing

jct us101 · 07-04-2009, 04:56 AM

Adam I would be willing to donate a Flashchat program to the forum, I'm pretty sure that you can simply integrate it and put a link on the top of the forum. With SMF there's the possibility to show things like number of users in the chatroom at a time and to integrate it with the forum database, but I'm not sure if Vbulliten does the same thing. I'll try finding some kind of integration if you're willing though.

jct us101 · 07-04-2009, 05:00 AM

Flashchat: Integration for vB 3.7 - vBulletin.org Forum

Here we go.