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Hello....is there anybody out there?

longman

Just thought I'd try this as an experiment (I've been nudging the Mods about this and getting nowhere).

Do we need somewhere just to say Hi.... Hello.... How are you.... etc., without having to have a specific topic or argument?

I've got a feeling that for many people they just want to connect on here without having to "carry any baggage" - that is to say, don't want to have to say anything heavy or meaningful. They just want to make contact.

The Introduce Yourself option does this to some extent, but implies you are a new member. Also it tends also to be a questions and answer service.

"Live Chat" is confusing because it isn't - live chat means real time, like a chat room, where many can join in. Message Boards aren't live. Could this topic be re-named "Just Chat"?

I just have a feeling other people out there want some form of free uncommitted dialogue for the sake of dialogue, and don't feel they can do what they want to do framed as a discussion on a specific thread.

How do others feel?

  • I think its an unusual site because of the mix of people on the spectrum and those who aren't.  As a mother of a teen on the spectrum, I've found reading posts from people that have lived through similar experiences enlightening however I'm always aware that I am almost not part of the 'in crowd' if that makes sense? I think the idea of a forum just for chat is a good one but I'm not a big fan of 'chat rooms'.  

  • Hi all,

    Longman - I did try communcating with that user with no joy. I'm going to start hiding their posts now if they're way off topic. I've also renamed this area. Live chat is a very, very old name from the early days of the forum and it's good it's now more accurate.

    As for the level of activity in the community, as we've got another volunteer now I'm going to look to grow it. What would be helpful is directing our Facebook audience (which has grown rapidly) to specific topics in the forum. Again, anonymity will be protected.

    As for a truly live chat room, in my experience, this requires an enomous amount of time to moderate. As it stands I'm not sure we've got the capacity for it. I'm currently writing an assessment for private messaging, which I hope to have installed as soon as possible.  

    thanks,
    Anil

     

     

  • IntenseWorld said:

    There could be a sub-form called "Chit-Chat" couldn't there.  But I really get the feeling this forum isn't that busy.  There are a few stalwarts like Longman and myself, but newer members seem to drift off and the majority of members seem to be parents looking for pointers and advice.  I don't think even if a chit-chat section was set up it would be used much.  Although perhaps the forum would liven up if there was one.

    Yes, chicken and egg I think!

  • There could be a sub-form called "Chit-Chat" couldn't there.  But I really get the feeling this forum isn't that busy.  There are a few stalwarts like Longman and myself, but newer members seem to drift off and the majority of members seem to be parents looking for pointers and advice.  I don't think even if a chit-chat section was set up it would be used much.  Although perhaps the forum would liven up if there was one.

  • A chat room would be good! I just found this and felt quite dissapointed that it really isn't 'Live' chat at all. Sealed