Wiener Writings

In an effort to minimize the potential technical hurdles to allowing WW members to chat I would like to take a poll to see how most of you use the chat feature, or would like to use it. We currently use a chat system that allow mIRC/IRC but is presented as a browser interface. The downside to this system is that it requires Java to be installed in each member's computer, or to have an IRC client such as mIRC. With the arrival of Windows XP MIcrosoft stopped including Java with it's standard configuration so there are many of you who have been unable to chat. Another drawback to this system is that it is hosted on an external server out of our control.
There is an alternate system that we are looking into that would allow us to host our own chat rooms but would require Macromedia Flash to be installed on each member's computer, a much more common scenario than having Java installed.

I would like to get a feeling for how many members currently use the mIRC/IRC interface and would miss it if it were to go away.  :dontknow:

It really doesn't matter to me as I will download whatever is required.  I did try to get in via mIRC, but couldn't get it to work.  The current version works ok.  Just MHO.

I have Java and Macromedia Flash already, and I would likewise install whatever needed to chat.  I have mIRC already on my system - I just need the people to chat with.  It has been very sparse of late.  There are about 5 or 6 of us, at most, who are regulars.  When I first began in chat we would sometimes have a dozen or more, and I loved it!

I tried the Java version when this board was new.  It crashed and kicked people off at random.  At that point I switched to IRC (I've used IRC for 10+ years and configuration isn't a problem).  I wouldn't have a problem with Java if it was stable.  Likewise with Flash - which I already have.

I have to admit that since Christmas my Saturday night schedule has not allowed "chat time".  Things are better now and I should be more regular.

Quote from: Rich on April 04, 2006, 10:03:06 AMI have to admit that since Christmas my Saturday night schedule has not allowed "chat time".  Things are better now and I should be more regular.

BWAHAHAHA. This just in from the "Too Much Information Desk!"  :oops: (Couldn't resist!)

We've been sparse in the chat room -- I miss it.  We currently have Macromedia Flash installed in our computer.

Guess I'll plan on installing the Flash version for everyone to try out and see which is preferred. I'll post back once it is up and usable.  :thumb:

Thanks Drew.

I'd like to try chatting again too, once tax season is over.