Chat protocol

[Tom Houlihan]

I was on the phone with another member last night, and we were discussing the Chat function.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's a fantastic addition to the site. However, both of us agreed to a little bit of frustration with it. So, I thought I'd start something wherein we can agree on protocol, and see if we can't all work out how to utilize this function to the best of its ability.

Now, it's already been brought up to Jim to see if there isn't a way to highlight that one of us has opened the Bierkniepe. It would help if you could see from the main page whether or not someone's turned on the lights and opened the beer cooler. Haven't heard back yet on that, but so far it doesn't look like that's gonna be a winner.

Now, I have been on here when several people have been logged in. Some of them are regular chatters. But when I go to the chat, nobody's there. I found out that it's common to duck in, look around, and drop back out if nobody's there. Well, here's Protocol Rule #1:

1. If you open the Bierkniepe, leave it open for a bit! You may back out mere seconds before someone else looks in. How do you keep it open?

Well, for starters, just don't X out of it. Leave it be. What I've been doing is every few minutes go back and type a few keystrokes in and post it. Sure, it's gibberish, but when you log in you can't see prior discussions, so it doesn't matter. By doing this, you can stay active, and you won't be disconnected. I've managed to keep it open for up to an hour doing it like this.

Protocol Rule #2: If you go in there, and you see someone logged in, post something real quick. But, if they don't answer you in seven seconds or less, don't just log off in a huff! Give them a minute! They might be pumping bilges, getting something from the fridge, grabbing a smoke, or making rounds in a jail pod. Allow time for a response.

Okay, someone else come up with the next ones...

[Jim O]

There is a "Settings" icon on top which one can set to play a sound when someone enters the room. Setting that to on while you have the room open but are doing something else may help you to know that there is someone else in the chat.

Still working on a way to post a "who's in" or even if anyone is in, but I have run into a wall in that this server is shared with other sites and would show as open if anyone on any of the sites is using it.

[Tom Houlihan]

Originally Posted by Jim O

There is a "Settings" icon on top which one can set to play a sound when someone enters the room. Setting that to on while you have the room open but are doing something else may help you to know that there is someone else in the chat.

I did change that setting, and it works if I'm poring diligently over something else.

Still working on a way to post a "who's in" or even if anyone is in, but I have run into a wall in that this server is shared with other sites and would show as open if anyone on any of the sites is using it.

Aha! Well, I knew you'd do it if there was a way. Obviously it's not something the designers conceptualized. Maybe they should think more like us!!!

[cyberia]

Well now, Tom picks up the ball and runs with it.

Way to go Buddy!

Everything Tom suggested sounds like the start of a plan.

We need to do something.

My suggestion, and not sure how good it is, is to Time Target. Something we do in television. Every weather report airs at almost the same time on the quarter, all sports is at the final ten and so on...

Time targeting works. People who are into weather know to tune at that time, same with other features.

Many of us are from different time zones, but top of the hour is always the same.

We get out the word that anyone interested in chatting, but not sure when everyone else is there, needs to just pop in at the top of the hour. And once there, follow Tom's rules of protocol.

Of course anyone can still access the room to chat at anytime, but at least we will know those interested can be found there at the top of the hour.

Make any sense, or have I been up too late again?

[sniper1shot]

Oh Boy A Chat Room. (Meaning to come across as a GOOD THING)

[MAGNA]

A specific time lookin is a great idea. Perhaps on quarter hour for those who want to use it a lot? The protocol looks right too.

There is a lot of commonsense here. This forum is really going places.

[Commander Waffle]

I'm always in there when I'm on, so if I'm not in there, I might be having disconnection problems, but I should be sitting in there thinking. If ya want to give me a line...theres where to get me the quickest.

And if I may say gentleen, to set anpther protocall?

Protocall #..what we at....3? Anyway...

No bashing of other memebers...not that i think anyone here will do it...but lets leave personal opinins of others away

second...no forums debating, let it be a plce where everyoen can get together, have a (root) beer and relax

If I'm not allowed to set a rule, please disregard the above.

[cyberia]

I agree with everything Waffle says, except for the (root) in beer.

Not that I have seen any member bashing and doubt we ever will here.

But its a good rule to live by.

[sniper1shot]

How about talking in the chat room as if you were talking to the person(s) face to face?

Don't say something hidding behind a monitor that you wouldn't say to a persons face.

[McCoy]

That in my mind also apply to ordinary threads.