Well, first off, I'm wondering why FW doesn't have its own IRC Channel. I can understand if the moderators think it may detract from the forum, but I think it would actually complement the forum well. I'm not really partial to any specific network, though there 2 that I spend a lot of time on. One (small) IRC channel I run even has its own Kaillera server for emulator netplay, if anyone needs a server that they want to play on with their friends or with people on here, send me a PM. It's open to the public.
Anyway, I was wondering what people's thoughts were on it. I did a search on the topic and saw a few questions people had asked, but nothing that seemed like it needed to be revived. I know I'm still kinda new, but it just seems like something the forum should have. I personally think it would foster a deeper sense of community because people would have more of a chance to know each other better. I can say with experience I have gotten to know some people in person that I initially met through IRC very well.
Setting a channel up usually only takes a minute or two, depending on the server, and I've had a lot of experience. I could even provide a chatbot or a trivia bot to keep the channel entertaining, if need be, though there may be people who can do far more on here.
Users have asked for a chat, but it was for more of a web-based chat. I didn't go the IRC route because I don't think that's what was being asked for. I'd be in favor of it, but I don't know if there's enough demand.
Personally, I like forum better than chat. For what is worth, the conversations stay here for other users to see.
I'd like a shoutbox instead. IRC just doesn't have the best setup for general chatting and it may intimidate people.
I'm the same opinion as jpx72.
Let's face it. FW is relatively active if you take into account what a niche site/forum it is, but compared to other forums it's not overflowing with new posts every day.
If there's a chat then the forum activity might go down. That's what I fear...
And I'm not intimidated of IRC, I just don't know how to use it. :P
I think IRC or webchat (WebIRC is possible too) would be pretty good idea for this place. It just needs to be active and nice place to talk.
thats why most of us have skype
this is a great idea :)
i'm on esper.net a lot.
pretty easy to register a channel!