Chat for Ringers

[primsong]

I noticed several folks talking about their desire for a chatroom again - thought I'd toss out what info I have. The Shire chat still exists - it's just dormant. Skybly hasn't the time to pursue it, but would probably be glad to give the keys to anyone who has the knowhow and time to run and moderate it. It's a big job.

The other option would be to use the active chat that already exists at Council of Elrond, choosing times to meet there. It requires java, which I can't use thanks to my security stuff but should be open to most of you.

If someone knows of another option that would be usable with mirc as well as java, that would be even better, though I rarely had the uninterrupted time to spend at the old Shire chat myself, it was fun when I could get there and sounds like it would be welcomed by many.

Comments

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

hey loth, she said java, i'm in line waiting with my cup.
perhaps if i win the Megabuck lotto this weekend we can have our Shire back.

[lothithil.livejournal.com]

*snort!* (((Ada)))

I wish I could step up to the plate, but without internet at home I couldn't monitor a chatroom as a mod. Plus I am totally ignorant of how! A shame, cause I got time in buckets!

A clear example of a person who had more time than cents or sense!

*pours java for Ada and serves him an Oliphant Ear pastry*

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

snugs (((((Dark One))))

Hmmmmm Ground Boro Beans...Hmmmmmm

[stefestella.livejournal.com]

mIRC limits your choices to IRC channels, but if you want a Java chat there are a lot of options. I recommend the paid version of the ParaChat interface. It is about $10 a month, but those willing to chat a lot could donate a dollar or two toward it if they desire. The paid version ensures that it can be administrated by a moderator and that it will be ad-free. I'd be glad to upgrade the Bucklebury.net interface again for a month at my own expense if people want to use that.

[primsong.livejournal.com]

That would be only java friendly? I remember you kicked around the idea of a chat over there before but it never got off the ground somehow - I couldn't get into it, because it was java only. The idea of a non-ad version with small donations to cover it is a good one, but it would still leave the position of 'nonstop mod' open, with (so far) no one having the time. Hmm.... Thanks for the feedback, Stef!

[stefestella.livejournal.com]

The mod would not have to be on for the chat to be used, but the moderator functions would be there. Any chat at all that hopes to enforce rules will require someone to be there to enforce them. Most free chats do not provide for that moderation, but most paid chats do. ParaChat is just one option among many.

Java is so much a part of the Internet now that very few users would have a problem accessing the interface. I would estimate perhaps 1 in 100 may have a problem, and 1 in 5 of those will not be able to solve it. Java itself is not a security risk, especially if you have an antivirus program controlling the traffic. Only certain questionable websites could possibly run an unwelcome Java application, but even then your security is set by default to prompt whether or not you want it installed. Even without Java, though, there are means to force a Java installation if the website is nasty enough. And that goes for other types of installations, too, that your machine runs anyway, like DOS batch files. The best defense is to watch where on the web you go. ;-)

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

you know The Ivy Bush was the name of the little tavern where the Old Gaffer hung out, perhaps that would be a good name for a new stomping grounds.

[meneleth.livejournal.com]

From experience, I can almost never make it on line when chats seem to be scheduled, so for my "two farthings worth" would just like to say, chat away but don't forget to Journal too! I'd miss hearing from y'all!

[elessar852.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, I was only able to go into the Shire chat about once, and even then I wasn't able to stay long. I just sort of forgot that it was there, which I think may have been the case with some of the others as well.

I'd love to be able to chat with some of the fanclub Ringers out there. :D