Chat. Keep it or lose it

Lacehim

I thought I would throw this poll into the mix.

A bit of history.

Chat went down and a few members moaned, Kelsey trying to fix it by uploading the site he's been working on over the old forum structure which is why it's a bit of a mess at the moment.  The old chat wasn't supported anymore so I configured Ajax chat for the new site, which is the one under the chat above.  It does allow members to be banned, and is supported well across a number of platforms.

Chat's been up for over a week and I've seen no one using it even though as far as I'm concerned it does exactly what the old chat did function wise.  Everyone seems to be either uninterested, or has moved on to a different chat run by Tim.  That's fine, got no problem with that, but if no one is going to use it, maybe we should remove it and concentrate on the forum side which is ultimately why we are here.

So, over to you.  Vote Yes to keep it, No to remove it, and undecided if well you don't know how to make up your mind.

Poll open for 2 weeks from today, so results just before Christmas.

Please keep any responses on topic, clean and respectful please

Brett H

Interesting idea mate and as mentioned in another thread the thread my go off as its controversial in nature depending on how people vote!

Lacehim

I'm only asking all members to contribute their opinion via a yes, no or undecided poll, rather than people expressing their own opinion individually on various thread with all the emotion attached.

Koffee_Kosmo

Ajax chat doesn't actually work Lacehim It won't let any user to log in That is the reason no one is using it I have been busy with work but also plagued by phone and Internet issues lately so members may have been wondering where I have been Anyway Optus is due Wednesday 17th so if I'm absent again you will all know why KK

Lacehim

First time I've heard of the issue KK.  Ajax chat should log you in automatically when your logged into the forum.  I personally haven't had a problem yet.  Maybe it's a permissions issue?  If any other members are having an issue logging on to chat please post up here so we know about it. http://coffeeforum.org.au/requests-for-admin-assistance/the-one-and-only-what-needs-fixed-on-the-new-look-forum-thread/msg48216/#new

Koffee_Kosmo

This is what I get It was noted and Kelsey notified at the changeover date Attachment not found.

Lacehim

You shouldn't have to log in at all KK.  Sometimes I've got that login screen when I've been on the forum reading, maybe due to a time out, but a refresh of the forum (just pressing forum) and another attempt gets me in fine. Are the other mods having the same issue?  Just wondering if it's a group permission thing.  Moon was in there earlier, and I've seen unhipster and a few others use it briefly.  It's been fairly empty though for days though.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1418474763:

You shouldn't have to log in at all KK.  Sometimes I've got that login screen when I've been on the forum reading, maybe due to a time out, but a refresh of the forum (just pressing forum) and another attempt gets me in fine. Are the other mods having the same issue?  Just wondering if it's a group permission thing.  Moon was in there earlier, and I've seen unhipster and a few others use it briefly.  It's been fairly empty though for days though.

Since the beginning I have always got a log in screen And after logging in the system won't accept my login details and I am locked out KK

Lacehim

Only 10 people have voted so far.  Maybe chat isn't as controversial as first thought!  :coffee2:

unhipster

All class having this sort of conversation where the public can view it. Way to encourage participation  :pan

Lacehim

Actually I think it's a good way for members to be part of the discussion, rather than having decisions hidden away in the moderators section Tim.  Chat has been very controversial since it's introduction and rather than leaving it's future down to the mods, I've created a poll to let all members that their throughs heard, without any backlash.  No one can see your vote, and you only get 1 vote. I'm not a mod either, so I have no decision ultimately on the outcome, but at least the members have had their say.

unhipster

So the non member public sees this a DB whining thread about poor contributions and one on BBQ's. Yep its a great look for a coffee forum. As you have admin abilities over the site you are fully able to place these threads for members input and discussion and not all the public to see. The 'appropriate' section was put there for a reason. Lots of people elsewhere must be laughing their heads off over this public discourse including suggesting changes of ownership from the returned prodigal son.

Lacehim

I don't think anyone really cares what "everyone else" thinks apart from you Tim.  The forum is here for the members to discuss coffee but it's never been restricted to just that has it.  Also it's the silly season, so I'm sure a lot of members are busy. The forum needs a injection of positive people to bring it back to it's core which is a friendly forum to discuss our love for the bean, and a great coffee, maybe instead of whining at every opportunity you could help. FYI My Admin privileges are temporary as I help Kelsey with a few issues, then I'll be back to a member.  Got a problem with that bring it up with Ashley.  :angel: If the mods wish to move this poll they can do so.  :P

unhipster

So you think you crucifying sections of the forum, management and the owner of the forum in public piece by piece is acceptable AND you expect that to bring in more members. Can I have some of what you are smoking  :pan

Lacehim

Really Tim I don't know why you are so concerned.  When you left you removed all your posts so you didn't exactly have the best intentions of the forum when you did that did you? You may not like my poll or my post, but you have every right to report it to Ashley or a moderator and have them deal with it.  Posting up comments about what you think isn't really helping anyone, so move on, contribute to the forum or please let us get on with the job at hand.

Moon

I agree that the discussion about whether to keep chat or not should be available to existing members only .. and not visible to the public. Therefore .. in my opinion, it needs to be in 'Forum Back Office - Private' so that any criticism of the chat facility (and related stuff) .. which I believe should be welcome - in order to improve the forum .. is kept 'in-house' This way .. members can express their honest opinions without having a negative effect on potential members viewing the forum. In other words - you either make it visible .. where it needs to be all nice and constructive .. or you encourage members honest feedback whereby some will likely be negative .. and therefore it probably would be better (imo) to keep it out of public view. Unhipsters views should be welcome imho .. but because it is in public view .. I can see why it is considered counter-productive. * My 5c worth .. Yeah Baby!  :angel: ps. I haven't voted on whether to keep 'chat' as yet. If the result of the poll has a large influence on whether it is kept .. then I will vote 'Yes' I think it is a great feature .. only way under-utilised - but wonder why it is only the 'Usual Suspects' who use it for 95%? non coffee related discussion.. and anyone else who tries to join in .. doesn't appear to last long .. from what have observed. pss. I'd be happier if I was pulling 9.3/10 lattes .. only 9.1/10 is where I'm at atm. Can't complain too much I reckon  :coffee2: psss. Golly 341 visits stats for today. Maybe the forum needs to be spiced up?  >:D MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone :thumb: Keep those coffees pouring! I'll be back .. in 2015  8)

Seeya Latte

Hi everyone I have nothing to hide - I voted yes to keep Chat. While I don't chat (have chatted  a couple of times) I respect people using it if they want. So long as it's not used to slag people, I get uncomfortable when I see this undertone pop up from time to time - if this site is supposed to be friendly then it should also apply to the chat area. It does bring an element of uniqueness to this forum. I reckon I'm not on my own with this view.

Lacehim

Thanks Seeya Latte, The new chat isn't as dominant on the forum.  Maybe that's why it's so quiet. Also the new chat does allow more moderation which should keep it under control.

Lwowiak

With the new chat opening in a new tab, those who do not wish to participate, or be involved, do not have to. Previously it was on the same page. As now it is not, the point of voting to remove it is pretty pointless. Just do not open the window and you will not be offended, bombarded or whatever it is that offends you about chat. I have always viewed it as a pretty unique aspect of the forum. If something offended me, I just ignored it, in the same way I ignore all the uninformed and mind numbingly biased political rantings, comments and articles splashed all over the internet and TV.

Moon

on 1418690407:

With the new chat opening in a new tab, those who do not wish to participate, or be involved, do not have to.

I thought chat was better being on the home page. Moving it to a new tab takes it out of sight .. out of mind ... which I would've thought is contrary to what the forum requires ---> more participation. It is now not being used .. should we be calling this an 'improvement?'  :'(

Kevohere

on 1418647015:

Hi everyone I have nothing to hide - I voted yes to keep Chat. While I don't chat (have chatted  a couple of times) I respect people using it if they want. So long as it's not used to slag people, I get uncomfortable when I see this undertone pop up from time to time - if this site is supposed to be friendly then it should also apply to the chat area. It does bring an element of uniqueness to this forum. I reckon I'm not on my own with this view.

Yup! What he said.  :thumb:

Lacehim

Moon, you can easily run chat on a new tab while running the forum on another.   It actually makes the experience at lot better IMO on a tablet or phone.

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1418728187:

Moon, you can easily run chat on a new tab while running the forum on another.   It actually makes the experience at lot better IMO on a tablet or phone.

I think I am on the record for preferring a seperate chat system like a multi user IM or similar if one exists And only available to registered members if they choose to use it KK

Lacehim

on 1418728499:

I think I am on the record for preferring a seperate chat system like a multi user IM or similar if one exists And only available to registered members if they choose to use it KK

The new ajax chat requires membership.  You need to be logged into the forum to use it. I'm not sure what you mean by multi user IM KK.  Currently we have a 1 to 1 chat box on the bar at the bottom, group chat on the menu bar, and if you check settings inside ajax chat you can even set up your on private room to chat if you want. If you want a personal group chat with certain members you could also use one the multitude of IMs (Windows Messenger, Trillian, Yahoo7 etc) on the market.

Koffee_Kosmo

I like the idea of a pop up window for Group chat But Ajax is also good now that I haven tested it out earlier KK