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But then you lose the advantage of formulating your response.

And there are lot's of times where I will start to post and then have to leave to do something. Leaving my original typing still on the screen.

That would be the only disadvantage I would see. And if no one is on-line and chatting at the same time, then it starts to look dead.

It would be interesting though to debate people in real time.

I agree.... the live chat format would be a great way to exchange experiences and ideas. As you mention though the ability to debate issues in real time would really be the kicker!
I imagine there is some kind of Tech Chat is yahoo or one of the similar chat service providers but TR would be a different league.

I think that the discussion forum has its place and always will. I agree with LordInfidel in regards to his comment about having the time to formulate an appropriate response. What one would say "shooting from the hip" could differ greatly from a more thought out response. (And for a grammatical "anal" like me, I need the time to proofread, spell check, etc.)

However, a "real time" debate would indeed be fun and interesting. But a more practical application could be the vehicle for providingsome real-time help with some real world troubleshooting.

>>>>>>>>>>

"Okay, wait a minute. Let me try that."

"Nope, that wasn't it. But now I'm getting a different error message that says..."

"Well then try this..."

"Enter this command. What do you see?"

<<<<<<<<<<

Of course, Lordinfidel would be kept busy helping everyone in the world with their Web sites and remote connections.

I use both ICQ and MSN on a regular basis. Maybe its my age, but I see some drawbacks.

First, the time differences can be killers. I chat with techs in Singapore, Egypt, Denmark, and England in addition to the US. These are always situations where one party is closing down his day and the other starting. US only is still just a 5 hour window.

Next, with just a 1 to 1 chat it is easy to get a couple of thought threads going at once. With each additional person these threads grow geometrically, and chaos comes into play.

MSN does not store the sessions so there is no archive to refer to. Not a problem with ICQ.

All these ads that surround the forum section is what pays for the forum. Will TechRepublic find a sponsor for the chats?

Maybe the better approach is to allow members to post their IM addresses along with their emails in their peer profiles?

I am really excited to hear that there are others that like this idea. The funniest part is that I just posted to another thread, was getting ready to start THIS thread right here, and then once I clicked send reply the three topics at the bottom showed. I saw this and just about passed out. I couldn't believe it was already started;)

Okay, well, I read all of the threads and then when I started a reply my PC took the honors of rebooting itself all by itself... So I don't remember who said what already and I'm too lazy to reread everything again. So please don't get mad if I don't recall who said what. I just remember what was said.

First off... I agree with BOTH or just this. This is the original and that can never be changed. The chat room would just be an add on.

As for timezones and all of that stuff. That is what will keep the channel alive. When those of us on one side of the world sleep the others will do their business.

I use IRC A LOT. I think that this is the route I want to take this. I know there are ways to port it through a web site live. I just need to figure out how;)

I have some bots for security. I have to get in touch with TechRepublic to make sure that they don't mind though, that's most important. I don't want any infrigements going on;)

One thing though. I don't know HTML, I may need some help with that, if someone can volunteer their abilities.

We'll need to make some temporary rules as there is an authority system on IRC. You have regular users, voices which have immunity and extended rights. Then Ops, which are Admins.

As for being asleep when people post and missing it. You can log EVERYTHING and read at your leisure. If you are online, messages can be sent so you can individually talk to users.

I have a Channel setup temporarily to hold it until I hear from you guys to see if this is the route you want to go and then I will present it to TechRepublic to see if they're interested.

If you want to visit it to see if the format is something you're interested in this is how.

It's on IRC. If you are using Windows there is a program called mIRC. It's shareware. 30days for free for trial. It's a full trial though, not a crippled program. The most current version is 6.03. Make sure you get it from http://www.mirc.com ONLY! Do NOT download it from any other site. You don't want to install backdoors on your system.

There are also some security scripts that can be added to it that are free. Let me know if you're interested in those and I can help you out with them.

If you are using a flavor of Linux, you should know what IRC is already and how to get on it;) If not, respond here and I'll help you with it.

For Windoze users: I am setup on a network called EFNET. Once you pick the EFNET network you can then log onto a server. Once on a server type /join #Techrepublic and you will join the channel. You'll see me in there and that's how you'll know you're there.

If you are at work and you need to join use port 8080 and type in this command. /server irc.secsup.uu.net:8080

That will get you through your firewalls if you are allowed to browse the internet. you will notice a hit on port 113. That is normal, don't be worried about it. It's trying to verify your IDENT.

Another thing just so ya know. Again, this is temporary. I am going to figure out how to get it done so you don't need to do all of this, but instead you just click a link and it automatically does everything for you and logs you into the right places and all you have to do is just pick yourself a nick;)

Mrafrohead

I could see it being somewhat useful.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want chat to totally replace the forums though.

I use TR mostly at work - and I'm up and around a lot here so I can't really stay seated in from of my screen for long periods at a time.

But for 15 minutes here and there when I have a question. It would be cool to be able to peck someone's brain live.

Okay mrafrohead and I have made contact through mirc. Granted this is not the most secure systme in the world. however i think it could turn the tide of this forum. Like i said the interesting minutes could be captured and condensed to show the gist of whichever debate. This would allow others to pick up the debate and offer thier opinions. I think this is something that could prove useful and allow people to seek real time advice on real time problems as well as allow better explanation to people who normally would not get the chance for clarification. I for one would not discourage my employees from participating in a chat forum (see sounds better than chat room doesn't it?) that would allow them to better do their jobs. This alsoallows better insight into the problem when it is looked at from different perspectives. Chat Forum....hmm I like the sound of that......Windex for everyone!!!

-duck

Whatever we would gain from real-time, would be lost to incomplete posts. When someone takes time to wright a reply, research etc. its better.

I guess that it would be fun on just a debate, but my vote would be no.

I would rather see time spent improveing this forum. I have seen much better forums on non-tech sites. Thats a bit backwards.