There have been several times over the past year or so that many different members have asked that we install a chat room feature on the site.
The answer is no, and here is why.
I fear that it will detract from the conversations in the forums. The forums add a lot of value to the site because the conversations are preserved for all to see, read, learn and/or be entertained.
Some people read them for weeks or months and then they are finally persuaded to join the site after they feel comfortable with the members of the community.
Chat does not offer those benefits, and I feel it would take away from them.
This is the same concept as the post I made about private messages.
The answer is no, and here is why.
I fear that it will detract from the conversations in the forums. The forums add a lot of value to the site because the conversations are preserved for all to see, read, learn and/or be entertained.
Some people read them for weeks or months and then they are finally persuaded to join the site after they feel comfortable with the members of the community.
Chat does not offer those benefits, and I feel it would take away from them.
This is the same concept as the post I made about private messages.