Live chat function

Psittaciformes · Mar 26, 2017

I can't remember if this has been discussed before, I think I may have asked this way back when I was more active, after a search though I couldn't find anything.

My question is, is there a possible way for a live chat function to be added to the site?
I think it could be quite fun to get to know everyone on a different level, any thoughts on this?

Owlet · Mar 26, 2017

Live chats usually take up a lot of data and make site that aren't meant to handle it very very slow. I don't think this site as is could handle a live chat. I could set up a discord server or something only problem with that is it'd be off site and unless the mods here also mod it, anything that happens on there would have pretty much no repercussions. (Trolling, spamming, harassment, etc. Of course if they don't mod it i would have the power to kick/ban such people from the chat even if I'm not an official parrot forum mod and such)

Discord is a chat client similar to Skype minus the video calls. It was created for the gamer community but everyone basically uses it now.

Personally I would love a live chat of sorts be it on site or not. I've always found it easier to befriend people when you can actively have a conversation.

Psittaciformes · Mar 26, 2017

That's a really good idea, setting up a discord server! Let's see how many people would be interested in that and then maybe we/you could make it happen?!

SilverSage · Mar 26, 2017

While my first thought is "yes! So much fun!" My second is that this is a family friendly forum, and a live chat seems a lot harder to moderate. Our mod team does a stellar job, but even with their hard work we sometimes have several members exposed to scams and objectionable content such as porn. Live chat is such a dangerous thing specifically for kids right now, I'm guessing that our amazing website might not be improved by wandering into that territory, as much fun as it might seem. Personally as someone who has seen the dark underbelly of humanity, I wouldn't necessarily like to see that function added. I know it's much clunkier to converse through Forum, but I like this site the way it is.

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SailBoat · Mar 26, 2017

I concur with my good friend above.

This Forum functions on a Worldwide bases with the full spectrum effect of all the time zones. Running Live Chat in that reality leaves a vast number of our members out in the cold, so to speak.

The Forum has a PM function that clearly presents the issues of both Time Zone lag and Time Away from the Forum lag when wanting to Live Chat with some members or any specific member.

Great thinking, especially about a third party solution!

Psittaciformes · Mar 26, 2017

But what about a Discord channel though? It'll be separated from the website, and I just asked a group I'm in for a separate project if there's a way to add an age limit to a channel

But those are some very good points about a live chat function on here could backfire dramatically, I didn't think of that

Scott · Mar 26, 2017

I did a forum search for "chat" topics and found a bunch! Live Chat has been discussed and generally dismissed as impractical given the need for modding, potential commotion, and content potentially inappropriate for minors. Not that any of the regular members are problematic, but there are other cyber outlets for fast communications. Of course our PM system is always available, but it is a more cozy one-to-one format! I totally get the interest in a chat-room, though!

Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community - Search Results

Great idea though, Sebastian! Forums are always seeking ways to keep members interested, given the explosion of competing internet options.

SailBoat · Mar 26, 2017

Psittaciformes said:
But what about a Discord channel though? It'll be separated from the website, and I just asked a group I'm in for a separate project if there's a way to add an age limit to a channel

But those are some very good points about a live chat function on here could backfire dramatically, I didn't think of that

I think that a Discord Channel has merit. I'm no expert when it comes to all that is available with such a tool. The biggest problem could be gathering those you want or of their own accord want to be part of Live Chat event. Place a notice of an event?

Psittaciformes · Mar 26, 2017

SailBoat said:
Psittaciformes said:

But what about a Discord channel though? It'll be separated from the website, and I just asked a group I'm in for a separate project if there's a way to add an age limit to a channel

But those are some very good points about a live chat function on here could backfire dramatically, I didn't think of that

Click to expand...

I think that a Discord Channel has merit. I'm no expert when it comes to all that is available with such a tool. The biggest problem could be gathering those you want or of their own accord want to be part of Live Chat event. Place a notice of an event?

What do you mean place a notice of an event?

Psittaciformes · Mar 26, 2017

Scott said:
I did a forum search for "chat" topics and found a bunch! Live Chat has been discussed and generally dismissed as impractical given the need for modding, potential commotion, and content potentially inappropriate for minors. Not that any of the regular members are problematic, but there are other cyber outlets for fast communications. Of course our PM system is always available, but it is a more cozy one-to-one format! I totally get the interest in a chat-room, though!

Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community - Search Results

Great idea though, Sebastian! Forums are always seeking ways to keep members interested, given the explosion of competing internet options.

But what's your thought on a discord channel though? That would be a third party type thing, separated from the actual forum itself

Owlet · Mar 26, 2017

With the discord chat I could probably give a handful of people admin powers if they're willing so if they see anything problematic they could delete it and do what they see fit with the user (kick, ban, temporarily mute, etc)

What I like most about discord is that you have lots of control over what goes on in it. Unlike skype where you have essentially no control other than kicking people from the group. I run a couple servers on discord so I'd like to think I'm pretty familiar with how it works. But as I said in my original post and what others have said, there's always the problem of mod-ing it which leaves a big gap of uncertainty.

Scott · Mar 26, 2017

Psittaciformes said:
But what's your thought on a discord channel though? That would be a third party type thing, separated from the actual forum itself

Found this from Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discord_(software)
The last sentence in the "Reception" entry raises a concern expressed both within this thread and with forum rules. Not sure if our administrator would sanction even the most casual ties between the two. If there is enough genuine interest among members we could bring it to attention.

SailBoat · Mar 26, 2017

Psittaciformes said:
SailBoat said:

Psittaciformes said:

But what about a Discord channel though? It'll be separated from the website, and I just asked a group I'm in for a separate project if there's a way to add an age limit to a channel

But those are some very good points about a live chat function on here could backfire dramatically, I didn't think of that

Click to expand...

I think that a Discord Channel has merit. I'm no expert when it comes to all that is available with such a tool. The biggest problem could be gathering those you want or of their own accord want to be part of Live Chat event. Place a notice of an event?

Click to expand...

What do you mean place a notice of an event?

Like I said, I'm no expert on this stuff - historically turn to Granddaughter and say something like: Fix this, please!

Anyway; If you are going to chat on a 'subject' say: Bite Pressure Training as an example. You would provide an Off Topic Thread stating the that on this date, at this time (plus time zone) that a discussion on that topic would occur. Or, if limited to a small group for general chat, some other means of noticing those that would be part of it!

Why do I get the feeling that a granddaughter is out there reading this with an ever widening smile of her face?

Owlet · Mar 26, 2017

Scott said:
Psittaciformes said:

But what's your thought on a discord channel though? That would be a third party type thing, separated from the actual forum itself

Click to expand...

Found this from Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discord_(software)
The last sentence in the "Reception" entry raises a concern expressed both within this thread and with forum rules. Not sure if our administrator would sanction even the most casual ties between the two. If there is enough genuine interest among members we could bring it to attention.

I believe these problems arose because the chat client specifically caters to gamers and things can get a little heated between teams.

People don't necessarily have the freedom to join the chat whenever they'd like. They'd need a link from someone already in the chat and depending on how they set it, the link invite can expire. So if we were to just distribute the links that expire I don't think there'd be a big problem with trolls and the such flooding the chat.

Psittaciformes · Mar 26, 2017

So will this be brought up to the top mods/admins? I would think it could at least be worth trying it out.
I'm in one channel/group thing already on Discord but I'm totally new to it so I'm not entirely sure how to work it properly lol

Owlet · Mar 27, 2017

I dont really know how to get into contact with the admins, but if someone can get an a-okay I'd be more than willing to set it up.

SailBoat · Mar 27, 2017

I truly believe that Scott addressed this most recent question in his earlier Post.

I thinking, at this point, either or both of you should get some idea as to how many members have an interest (gathering names) and then present that to Scott and let him take it to the other Super Mods and then to the Administrators. If you do a direct into them (Administrators), it will just get bounced back to the Super Moderators anyway. So, best to follow the chain of command if you will.

I would recommend that as you gather names, think about the questions that have been raised and address how you think this Live Chat function would work. Like a Call to Discussion on a specific topic, a small group chat session, etc. Understand that I'm just offering ideas and they may have nothing to do with the real world terms and activities of a Live Chat.

Scott said:
Psittaciformes said:

But what's your thought on a discord channel though? That would be a third party type thing, separated from the actual forum itself

Click to expand...

Found this from Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discord_(software)
The last sentence in the "Reception" entry raises a concern expressed both within this thread and with forum rules. Not sure if our administrator would sanction even the most casual ties between the two. If there is enough genuine interest among members we could bring it to attention.

Scott · Mar 27, 2017

I've created a thread in the mod section to discuss the concept of live chat. While anyone can contact the admin if desired, it is helpful and constructive to have a consensus before approaching with a project of this magnitude. PF is run by Forum Foundry and reliance is placed on an all-volunteer staff to mind daily activities. I can probably count on one hand the times I've directly communicated with the admin!

Owlet · Mar 27, 2017

If there are any questions about discord I can do my best to answer ^^

Inger · Mar 27, 2017

I think it's a fantastic idea - both for specific topics/trainings and for "who's awake? Let's talk about our birds!"

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