To have a chat feature

[boudiccasSideKick]

Hi

Thought it might be a good idea to just have a general chat feature. Noticing more and more that threads end up as general "chats" or banter between users, especially in evening.

If threads are already chatting, why do we need another chat feature?

Half the fun of MN is lurking on someone elses chats!

Yes but they often go way off tangent and end up in =nasty comment, take the piss land= "fluffy bun fights". I don't care, like a good ruck myself but tend to feel rather sorry for the OP.

did the wrong symbols there! oops, lol.

Hi Op
Can you explain a bit more what you don't like about the current chat feature?
thanks

I don't get what you're saying OP, explain in case there are other thickos like me .
We have a Chat section, are you saying you want a chat thingy like MSN? Or that you want posters who 'know' one another not to de-rail threads? Or that people who 'know' one another should have different threads (we do have Quiches already)? Or that threads should always stay on-topic and new threads should be started if you want to pursue a tangent?
Also don't get " =nasty comment, take the piss land= "fluffy bun fights".", what does that mean?

Thanks.

A bit confused too...

Maybe a chat thing where users can go and have a general chit chat about their day etc. or share a laugh? It just seems that sometimes the actual topic gets lost and we don't always help the OP. Or somewhere everyone can go to carry on with a bit of banter (which starts on particular thread)that has nothing to do with the original question. Only saying this because I have found things can get a bit out of control with the "tounge in cheek" banter stuff that starts up and as you know Olivia, I dont mind, I like a bit of venting a challenge but feel that in important threads its not helpful or respectful to the person who is sometimes in deep "real" trouble.

Hope I've made things a bit clearer for all? And thanks for taking the time to ask.

Sorry not been on here for that long and someone just said that there is a chat thing already. Best investigate

I think, and feel free to disagree, that most posters are very respectful of genuine problems. You don't see in-jokes and chatter in Relationships or similar topics. If someone posts a big problem in AIBU or Chat they are often helpfully directed to another topic and can get the thread moved.

Off-topic, tangent chatting, de-railing and nonsense in AIBU or Chat tends to be self-regulating and leads to the funniest threads IMHO. There are a few who get precious and want a Serious Thread on a non-serious subject (or there have been recently anyway), granted and that's up to them - again, they have the option to post in the specific topic or get the thread moved.

I think what you're asking for is the Chat section we already have . Or I am still not getting what you mean

If you start a thread in the section called "Chat" and title it "a general chat about my day, come and join in" then people probably will.

x posted. Here is chat.

Ok, think I've finally got it If on AIBU, everyone can say what they want and defend appropriately? Chat (which I have just found) ditto. Relationships threads aren't allowed to digress. Now finally understand! cheers!

Not not allowed, just that it tends to self-moderate I think. Don't take my word for it, I am not the authority on MN . Just that if you post a semi-serious topic in Chat, it is much more likely to be de-railed and chatted over than one in a proper topic like the SN board, Relationships,Parenting, Health.

I think it's more about respectful posting than actual hard and fast rules. I am very silly indeed but I wouldn't go on a wind up in SN or Relationships or Children's Health.

Thanks Sue got it a bit more now x

Right - so... as you were then :)

boudiccasSideKick you could have a look here for a few extra pointers.

private yahoo messenger style chat you mean?

PMs but in a live chat instant message format? I think that's a good idea.