Chat threads

[tech]

We are going to start "retiring" threads in the _chat topic once they are over 30 days old.

What this means is that once they are 30 days old (since last contribution rather than since starting) you won't be able to add messages to them any more - they'll still be in the archive search, they just won't have the "add a message" box at the bottom, and they won't be in the thread lists under the topic. This list is at over 8500 entries currently and becoming useless.

If archive searching starts to slow down, we might start deleting chat threads from the board altogehter after a certain time. As the content of these threads tends to be chats (surprisingly enough) rather than requests for information, there's not a huge amount of point keeping them for future reference.

On the subject of chat, we are currently test-driving chatroom software with a view to putting a live chatroom up on the site - for them as wants.

Gwenick, flamesparrow, seashells

I was trying to be very careful not to cause offence, so I am very sorry if I did. I made sure to say that my personal opinion and preferences were no more valid than anyone elses - but they are at least as valid, and I am entitled to say that I like dinner parties more, sometimes. And I don't think that it used to be cliquey at all - the references to "cliques" have only appeared since the site got a lot bigger, which I think is a natural consequence of more users - you just can't be friendly and welcoming to every single person anymore because there are just so many people - sub groups have to form.

Believe me - not really offended!!! Its actually from discussions like this that I'm starting to get to know people.

Subgroups do form, but looking at the way things are, it is the old members and the new anyway.

xxx

disagree with the old and new member thing myself

I do too, Lou. And I've only been here about 7 months so I'm not saying that as one of the "old" MNers.

Message withdrawn

Pretty much... we had the original message, and then got into the debate about whether or not a chatroom was a good plan, and if MN would be changed and doomed forever.

Then we had a minor squabble about new and old members.

Then we had cakes.

secur, Tech is talking about trying out some chatroom software, some want it and think that those who don't are luddites, others don't want it and think that those who do are going against the ethos of MN, some don't give two hoots. Those with experience of chatrooms think that those without are just afraid of change, and a bit of a barny ensued. But it looks as if virtual chocolate cake saved the day and we're all friends again today.

I think

i missed the cakes

I still have a tiny slice of lemon drizzle here if you want any....

Message withdrawn

Justine, I love the new sans chat option, thank you so much for adding it!

yes please

Here's your cake

I don't think any decisions were actually made.. we had a yes no and maybe thread at one point, but they got confusing too!!!

I'm with giving it a try - I don't see what a trial run can hurt, and just remove it if it all goes wrong!

thank you

think a suck it and see approach is good, v sensible fs.

Nice cake

Gtg and get ready to retrieve ds2 from nursery now.

Message withdrawn

I got cakes.....all creamy and gooey

Message withdrawn

Can never have too many cakes! Do you have any laced with a mild sedative so that I can knock DD out for an hour or so and get some stuff done?

only sharing my cakes if you all be my friends and sit with me

ooh...got wine too....and calpol to help those kiddies go sleeps and leave us mummies to bond

sits v close....

You don't wanna sit too close though.. she pinches...

do not pinch....I stamp on feet if you aren't nice tho

lou...come share

gotta go do school and ballet runs....better be some cakes there when I get back, or there will be a very cross me

with PMT too.........

lou....seeing as you keen to MOD anyway...can you guard them well??????