Chat Addons?

maxitmag · 02-19-2007, 06:33 AM

Does anybody recommend the use of chat facilities - like shoutbox, flasherize etc
in forums?

Any feedback welcome

Code Monkey · 02-19-2007, 08:45 AM

It just depends on what type of site you have. But generally I don't recommend them. They divert people from posting in the forum which defeats the whole purpose of the forum. Plus they use a tremendous amount of server resources.

smacklan · 02-19-2007, 09:50 AM

The shoutbox does, but Flasherize doesn't...it uses flash remoting so it uses next to no server resources

maxitmag · 02-19-2007, 10:08 AM

flasherize does look good

but it's a valid point that they take away forum posting - hadn't thought of it like that

smacklan · 02-19-2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxitmag

flasherize does look good

but it's a valid point that they take away forum posting - hadn't thought of it like that

yes, that is always something to consider.

Wunderlust · 02-21-2007, 03:47 AM

Currently using flashchat - Works well and easy to integrate.

Pure Adapt · 02-26-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Code Monkey

It just depends on what type of site you have. But generally I don't recommend them. They divert people from posting in the forum which defeats the whole purpose of the forum. Plus they use a tremendous amount of server resources.

I agree with you 100% CM. I've had a couple of clients that wanted a chat box with their forums and I advised against it. It doesn't help build valuable content and it takes away from the forum IMO. But you are right, in certain forums / sites it is a useful feature.

George

vgevolution · 06-18-2007, 04:22 PM

Are there any good IRC addons? I'd like to setup an IRC channel and use it for hosting live interviews and other moderated events, but I'd like it to be available within vbulletin. I'm using vBulletin 3.6.7.pl1.

Zaiaku · 06-19-2007, 09:09 PM

There is a mod on vBulletin.org to use jirc so vBulletin can have IRC.
Personally I like flashchat, very customizable and works seamlessly.

m_k · 06-25-2007, 02:45 AM

I just installed FlashChat on one of my boards - quite easy to install, and the integration is easy and painless. You can't beat the $5 pricetag either :-)

DiverTree · 07-04-2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Code Monkey

It just depends on what type of site you have. But generally I don't recommend them. They divert people from posting in the forum which defeats the whole purpose of the forum. Plus they use a tremendous amount of server resources.

i agree 100% with it detracting from the message board. i put one in against my better judgment because the members wanted it, but took it out soon afterwords. still got a mess to clean up from it.

Smiggy · 07-11-2007, 11:36 AM

I agree with chimp, many of them slow down your whole forum tediously.

DiverTree · 07-11-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiggy

I agree with chimp, many of them slow down your whole forum tediously.

would that be a security issue? could the board crash if group all jumped on at the same time?

hotrodgyrl · 08-27-2007, 09:56 AM

I never thought about that, Monkey, If you add a chatbox, even though it's neat, it would take away from people posting on the forum. i have d/l'd the zip's but don't know if i want to add them now.

Maybe at a later date when things are rolling better =)

Kaycee · 12-06-2007, 09:46 PM

I agree that it decreases the posting, but I think the chatbox improves the community spirit. We have a chatbox (MGC Chatbox) that we've had for 6 months, and we often have over 500 chats per day. We get conversations going with people from 8 or 9 different countries at once. I've become good online friends with many of our members that I never would have just through posting. It's usually the first thing most of our members look at when they sign on, to see who's online and chatting!

aproape · 01-07-2008, 05:50 PM

We have used a different chat system - it's called 123flashchat and so far we're very pleased with it.

it's a bit pricey and you need to install a server/daemon on your host [or have the service hosted by them] - but it can sustain a high traffic load and has many chat features and modules [avatar chat, webcam/audio chat, white board, buddies, ads, skins, etc]

We have found it useful for people who are just looking to hang around and chat and do not want to make posts and wait a few hours/days until they receive a response..

It can also be used for support and real-time interaction with your members/customers.

Of course it integrates with the major portals/CMS'es and vBulletin.

Cheers,
aproape

IzNChar · 04-21-2008, 10:45 PM

Flasherize looks very appealing. Just worried that i won't be able to install it myself if its too 'involved' and complicated. Any advise on that side of it?? (I have installed all of the mods on my board so far ie, arcade, donate etc...)

m_k · 05-13-2008, 12:34 PM

I switched from FlashChat a while back to Flasherize, which works great by the way. I had a couple problems getting it installed, but tech support from the owner got it fixed right away and working like a charm.

luxceleritas · 06-05-2008, 12:56 PM

I have been using FlashChat, It has a link built in for Bulletin Boards. It's only $5. and it is one of the best packages I have ever seen. And for $5 it is a Steal!!!