Chat Room Yes/No ?

[Scorp]

Hey Folks,

A couple of things:

Last year when I initially addressed the question "should we keep the chat room" many of you seemed interested in doing so.

At that time, some folks also had questions about the system "bugs" with having difficulty getting in to the room, etc. and other issues being experienced. Linus worked diligently to get these things fixed and situated.

As of now, the chat room continues to NOT be occupied half the time. It costs the site owners money to have this room and if it's not being utilized, then that money can probably be better spent on something else instead.

I will make my recommendation(s) to the site owners, but the final decision will be theirs.

Best,

-Scorp-
Chatroom Moderator

[princessbelle]

I LOVE the chat room. True it isn't occupied a lot. But, that's just how things are. They are hot then they are not, but then they are hot again. I vote keep it...but logically of course would depend on how much money it is taking.

I see chat rooms on other sites that aren't occupied but are there for special meetings and just if a group want to get out of IMs and hang together.

I love to talk and talk just about anywhere (i know big shocker)...but life and time get in the way.

Thanks Linus for all the work you did in chat and on all the areas of the planet.

Thanks Scorp for putting this in open discussion before taking your recommendations to Medusa and Jack. Was very thoughtful.

[AtLast]

If it is a financial drag and just not utilized at a rate that justifies the cost, I say eliminate it.

I don't use it, so this might be easy for me to say. So maybe there is a way for those that do use it to build it up to a point where it makes more financial sense.

[DapperButch]

I'd say keep it if it is not too expensive and that I will use it, but...then I would have to give up my record of having never entered a chat room before.

On the other hand, it is not like I would be recordless. I would still have the record of having never bought a lottery ticket before.

[Strappie]

OK I love chat... and trust me I've tried like hell to get people to come chat. I don't get it? Why is it this one doesn't work?

TELL ME WHY you will chat in other chat rooms but not in this one??? I do know people gravitate to where people are! It's kinda like going to the bar.. a bar continues to get busier if there are a ton of people there and before you know there is a waiting line to get in. PEOPLE GO WHERE PEOPLE ARE~ !!


Come on PEEPS

[JustJo]

I'm not much of chat room type....mostly because I simply can't keep up with the conversation half the time :giggle:

If you all promise not to laugh and make fun of me when I'm 12 lines behind everyone else, I could probably be persuaded in now and again.

And I'll try to drag Scoote in there too. :|

[Strappie]

I'm not much of chat room type....mostly because I simply can't keep up with the conversation half the time :giggle:

If you all promise not to laugh and make fun of me when I'm 12 lines behind everyone else, I could probably be persuaded in now and again.

And I'll try to drag Scoote in there too. :|

lol Justjo,

Trust me when I say this... My BFF can't either! I have to type for her to answer the posts.. but it doesn't stop her from coming to chat!!

[DamselFly]

please keep the chat room! i've noticed that if one person goes in, then sooner or later, another will follow, then another, then another...til we've got a really got chat going on! i have problems keeping up w/chat but will make the effort to go in the chat room when i see someone else in it or , if i've got the time, i'll go hang out there myself and lure someone in...hehehe...
namaste,
DamselFly (w)

[Strappie]

please keep the chat room! i've noticed that if one person goes in, then sooner or later, another will follow, then another, then another...til we've got a really got chat going on! i have problems keeping up w/chat but will make the effort to go in the chat room when i see someone else in it or , if i've got the time, i'll go hang out there myself and lure someone in...hehehe...
namaste,
DamselFly (w)


Start luring girl.... !!

[TickledPink]

Let's do a "Support the Chat Room" chat tonight????

[DapperButch]

And don't they have semi-regular BDSM chat groups?

[Corkey]

There is also a room for masculine ID folks as well, it isn't just chat. I really prefer to not chat with out my wife in attendance. We're just not chatters in that since. However the rooms for various interests are a good thing.
I hope it stays, even if it isn't used heavily. It is a part of the total site package, so it may help draw newbies in.

[WolfyOne]

I say keep it. I usually check in when I see others in there. There are some that never post, but show up in chat from time to time. There are those that need to reach out to others for one reason or another at any given time and when they see someone in chat will go or perhaps wait until someone shows up for them to chat with. With the weather changing now, we may not see many at all, but that doesn't mean we should just kick chat to the curb. Personally, I think chat serves a purpose for everyone for different reasons.

[Strappie]

Maybe we should start a SINGLES chat night????

[DapperButch]

Can I ask how much it is a month?

With this site being so transparent with most if not all of the costs, I am thinking that it is ok to ask this question?

[DapperButch]

Maybe we should start a SINGLES chat night????

You really might be able to get A LOT of chatters, especially new peeps, if you do this.

[T D]

How much does it actually cost? I know I sponsored an independent chat room almost exactly like the one used here about 5 years ago and it was fairly inexpensive. Of course I have no idea what rates are like these days.

I think people go in when other people are in there. Chat rooms always take a good deal of time to catch on. I'd keep it if possible.

[Liam]

If someone is willing to just hang out in chat, people do come in, most of the time. I guess we are shy chatters here.

[Just_G]

I wish I had more time to chat! When I go in to chat, it seems like people have their own stuff going on and I just sit there reading the conversations trying to figure out where to jump in. :blink:

When I AM in the mood to chat, there isn't anyone in there. :blink:

[Cowboi]

Maybe we should start a SINGLES chat night????

Great idea!!!!

[Strappie]

If someone is willing to just hang out in chat, people do come in, most of the time. I guess we are shy chatters here.

I must say Liam, You are very good at hanging and waiting for people to show up. You without a doubt are patient and a reason people do go in.

So good on you!!!

[June]

@Dapper -- It's in the financials somewhere. Off the top of my head, I think it is $168.00 per year. I also think it renews in October or November.

The first year, it was donated by members, this past year, we paid for it.

[Liam]

I must say Liam, You are very good at hanging and waiting for people to show up. You without a doubt are patient and a reason people do go in.

So good on you!!!

Well come join me Strappie...

[Strappie]

Hmmm maybe we could start a "fund" or maybe a spot where we can donate to the Chat Room when we pay our membership? This way you know it's being supported?

Just a thought???

[Julie]

I love the chat room...
While I do not go in that often - I have and when I have, it has been amazing and wonderful and funny!

[Scorp]

Appreciate the responses.

Medusa & Jack are aware of the interest everyone has in keeping the room up and running, as well as the lack of use in it.

As mentioned earlier, folks expressed the same interest in keeping the room when I tossed this out there to everyone last year, and it still continues to hardly be used overall.

Your ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration and everyone will be updated with what is decided.

-Scorp-

[dixie]

I'm more of a "lurker" than a chatter. I usually only go into rooms where I can be invisible and watch folks chat until I feel comfortable joining in. (I'm weird shy like that. Same in person, what with the hanging back in the corner until I get a feel of things.) The only time I ever really did chat anywhere was popping in to say a few words with Strappie then popping back out again. I get overwhelmed when I enter a chat and everyone says hi. I like being a wallflower...LOL I don't know. I may try it out here and see how it goes...lol

[TickledPink]

Come chat with us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time: NOW

[dixie]

Ok...so I went to chat. Two hours later I'm finally back. That was a lot of fun, after all. :)

[cuddlyfemme]

Maybe we should start a SINGLES chat night????

I love this idea, Strappie!

[Guy]

I would probably enjoy the chat room here, but I don't think that I would be able to keep up and I wouldn't want anyone to think I was ignoring them .

[EnderD_503]

I dunno, not a big chatter myself. Like others have said, it's hard to keep up with any conversation since I'm often doing other stuff while browsing online.

I liked the male/masculine id support group, though. It's too bad that fell through. I can see how it would be useful for support groups/specific interest groups. If people rarely use it and the money can be better spent elsewhere, I'm not sure I see reason to keep it. But then, like I said, I'm not a big chatter so could be biased.

Why not just open an IRC chat room if it's a money issue while also wanting to serve those who want a place to chat once in a while? Yeah, IRC is my solution to all chat problems :p

[Medusa]

Can I ask how much it is a month?

With this site being so transparent with most if not all of the costs, I am thinking that it is ok to ask this question?


Hey Dapper -

We don't pay a monthly fee for chat since it is hosted on that brand's site. We do have to pay a relicensing fee every year. I believe we renewed in January and it was $180 this year because we added another module (I could be off $20 or so, doing this from memory since I don't have Janaury's financials up yet).

The cost doesn't seem substantial but $180 will pay almost 4 months of service *for the entire site*. That's almost 25% of financial resources being spent for a feature that roughly 5% of our users access on a regular basis (and Im defining "users" here for the sake of people who are actively online and who regularly access chat).


More in a bit!

[Kobi]

It would be nice to use the chat area for more than just chat/support groups.

Sometimes people are more comfortable in a structured kind of thing.

I wonder what could be done in terms of educational "presentations" with real time interaction. There is a lot of knowledge and skills in the community which can benefit us in different ways if people are willing to share their time.

Sometimes using games or a focused activity makes folks more comfortable then a free form chat which can be intimidating. Have been involved in game/activity kinds of things. Once did a "Are you smarter than a 5th grader" thing. (We werent and had to rename it to are you smarter than a first grader.) Once had someone do tarot readings, book discussions etc.
Can even do a speed dating thing.

For example, todays Royal Wedding got some attention here. Would have been cool to have folks in a room discussing the hats (oy), the dresses, the ceremony as it was happening.

Just takes some planning, facilitators, and time commitment.

[Apocalipstic]

In the past couple of weeks I have wanted there to be people in chat to hang out with. :)

[Abigail Crabby]

The chat room is actually fun - I've been in a couple of times and it was nice to joke around and just chat about anything with the members here.

I vote to keep it - even tho I don't really have enough time to frequent it I know it would be missed by those who enjoy it most.

[Blade]

Hmmm maybe we could start a "fund" or maybe a spot where we can donate to the Chat Room when we pay our membership? This way you know it's being supported?

Just a thought???


Typically I'm a lurker.......but I like this idea....I'd toss out an extra buck or five when I renew for this cause.

[Medusa]

Hey folks -

I wanted to clarify something in here :)
I have received word from a few different folks offering to pay for the chatroom and that is a super, SUPER generous offer and I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate that offer but it's not necessary :)

The Planet has plenty of financial resources and it really isn't a matter of not having the money to pay for chat. Not at all. It's more about me being a Virgo and wanting to spend the money that comes into the site in the most wise and financially sound way as possible. :) (cause I'm a super duper CHEAP ASS!)

I did not mean to imply that the Planet needs $$.
Sure, we always love when folks buy their memberships because it does help support ALL of our programs, etc. but we are not trying to do a money drive to pay for chat and I greatly apologize if it came across that way.

Last year when we were brand new and didn't have the financial resources that we now have, Christie and Jess offered to pay for the chatroom so that we could get a better piece of software than we were using then. Because of their generosity, ThePlanet didn't have to scramble with how to pay for it in the beginning stages of building our community. We are still deeply appreciative of that!!

I hope we are never in the position where the Planet can't support itself financially or Jack and I can't pick up the slack if needed, but if we ever get there, I will always be clear, concise, and honest with people about how we got there and what we need to do to stay alive. For me, that means I have to do my part and watch every penny that goes out of this place and make sure it's "good business".

I am very warmed by how people have stood up and offered help and support and appreciate each of you for showing that you give a shit.

Hearing all of you talk about important chat is to you has told me all I need to know.

Love muchly!
angie

[Words]

In the past couple of weeks I have wanted there to be people in chat to hang out with. :)

Same thing here.

I guess I'll just have to get over that little voice that says, ''Oh God, everyone will think I'm a loser sitting here by myself waiting for someone to come in''. (It DOES exist. Anyone else admit to that? LOL..)

Words

[Rope]

BDSM chat is in the Dungeon room Wednesday's at 5 p.m. PST to make it a reasonable time for the east coasters. No frills, no agenda--newbies welcome.

[Liam]

There is no Butch/Femme community where I live, and I am fairly isolated. Chat allows me to have conversations with butches and femmes from around the world, and I really like that.

[Ciaran]

I generally prefer chatroom interaction to a forum, given it's more instantaneous nature .... even if British sarcasm can sometimes get "lost in translation" on its way across the pond in a mainly US / Canadian room.

Happy to contribute a few $ to its upkeep, or whatever is required etc.

[diamondrose]

I think chat is a great place though I can understand the financials behind it. Maybe if we organized chat meetings at specific times and on specific days like other sort of mentioned, it would help increase the usage and make it more worth the money spent.

[DapperButch]

I wonder what could be done in terms of educational "presentations" with real time interaction. There is a lot of knowledge and skills in the community which can benefit us in different ways if people are willing to share their time.

*snip*
Once had someone do tarot readings, book discussions etc.
Can even do a speed dating thing.

For example, todays Royal Wedding got some attention here. Would have been cool to have folks in a room discussing the hats (oy), the dresses, the ceremony as it was happening.




This is an interesting idea.

More than several thoughts sprang to mind when I read this.

The first thought I had was about the educational presentations. It made me think about the totality of our knowledge as a group and how we could be helpful to each other.

People could do presentations or question/answer stuff. It could be based on your vocation or based on something you simply are good at/have a lot of knowledge on.

For example:
1) A mechanic (or someone who is good at cars), could help people trouble shoot car problems or give a quick presentation on how to change your oil.

2) A person who is good at growing organic foods could present on doing just this, or could answer questions people are having with their garden.

3) A financial planner could give a presentation or answer questions.

4) A marketing person (or a person who owns a business), could give a new business person (or a hopeful in the future business person), ideas about how to go about marketing a new business.

5) A person who is good at cooking could share strategies about (?) or people could come in to ask questions about(?).

There could be "focus groups". Like for example, there could be a section (or specific thread), where anyone could list a day/time (after approval from Admin) to host (or just participate), in a particular discussion. For example, someone who knows they want to discuss the Royal wedding could ask to book a specific time after the wedding, to discuss it. Someone who wants to watch the upcoming "Becoming Chaz" special could sign up to have the chat space the hour after the broadcast.

Or it could be easier to track if there is a standing time for this stuff. It could be something simple like on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 8pm-9pm there is a presentation/Q +A/topic being discussed. People could sign up. People can look ahead to see what chats they may want to attend.

Tuesday (5/10/11)- Mark the Mechanic Answers your questions

Friday (5/13/11) - Sally Sue hosts a discussion on the Becoming Chaz special

that kind of thing...ok, I am rambling away here, but Kobi's thoughts got my thoughts going....

[Strappie]

Is the Chat room working????

WHERE IS EVERYONE?????????????

[LotusFlower]

Hi,

Should go to bed but checked out the empty chat room.

Sigh.

[DapperButch]

Ya know, the reason it is empty is that NOT ONE SINGLE person thought my ideas were any good. And they were AWESOME ideas! Damn.

See, now ya'll are gonna lose your chat room. All b/c you were meanies and unsupportive of one of your community members.

Karma baby, karma.

[DapperButch]

:tease:
.

[Canela]

I was in there earlier and there were quite a few people chatting! I have always wondered why no one really used it much but it seems like now its kinda revving up.

Please don't shut it down. Personally, I really enjoy chatting with others and bantering back and forth and just enjoying others conversations. It's nice to get to know one another...heck there's threads to that effect and we can do it real time right here....

Actually, because of some bantering in there tonight, I posted my picture in the gallery just as an "in your face" kinda thing...cuz I'm sassy that way...lol...


I'm in there now...come chat with me! :phonegab: