IRC

[botulismo]

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.

[UglyJoe]

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.

[jpx72]

Personally, I like forum better than chat. For what is worth, the conversations stay here for other users to see.

[nensondubois]

I'd like a shoutbox instead. IRC just doesn't have the best setup for general chatting and it may intimidate people.

[manuel]

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. 

[Hekomatsu]

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.

[linkzpikachu]

thats why most of us have skype

[an-cat-max]

this is a great idea

i'm on esper.net a lot.

pretty easy to register a channel!