Dear Michael...

[Heidi]

Is there any way possible to add a chat room option to this site?

Years ago we had another site (long since gone) with forums like this, and a "nap time chat", where registered users (only) could "come in" and talk.
Just wondering if that could be done?

[Blackcat31]

How is a chat room any different than what we do now?

(wow, that sounded snarky....) LOL!!!

It is NOT, I am just really computer illiterate and have no clue what that means....

[MarinaVanessa]

Oooh how fun. I wonder how hard that would be to do?

PS: Chat rooms are live and you can see what everyone is typing in real time without having to reload the page. There won't be topics and conversations and responses won't be saved however it would be nice to be able to just say hi.

[Heidi]

Oooh how fun. I wonder how hard that would be to do?

PS: Chat rooms are live and you can see what everyone is typing in real time without having to reload the page. There won't be topics and conversations and responses won't be saved however it would be nice to be able to just say hi.

and since it's only registered users, hopefully it won't be quite so...uuhhh..trolly.

Also, there tend's to be more off-topic conversation because people feel like they can reveal more of themselves without the "whole world" being able to see.

[MommyofThree]

and since it's only registered users, hopefully it won't be quite so...uuhhh..trolly.

Also, there tend's to be more off-topic conversation because people feel like they can reveal more of themselves without the "whole world" being able to see.

Just an FYI, anybody could use a fake made up name and be registered and still be a troll . So not all that rather not take the time to sign up are trolls

[countrymom]

I think it would be fun.

[Heidi]

Just an FYI, anybody could use a fake made up name and be registered and still be a troll . So not all that rather not take the time to sign up are trolls

Oh, I know that! I did not mean to suggest that every unregistered user is a troll, either. I asked a few questions before I was registered myself.

And, registering is not guarantee against trolls, either. Obviously, we're not asking for ID and resume's.

It's just less likely, maybe...

[Michael]

This topic has come up before. The reason, as BlackCat stated, was content not being available for search. Chat is just that...chat, and not indexed. I am thinking of maybe starting a FaceBook page for Daycare.com but it bothers me that FB controls so much as it is and they save their chat logs. Their chat maybe helpful and our members could be the only ones we allow to sign up for the group. I will give it some thought.

[Heidi]

This topic has come up before. The reason, as BlackCat stated, was content not being available for search. Chat is just that...chat, and not indexed. I am thinking of maybe starting a FaceBook page for Daycare.com but it bothers me that FB controls so much as it is and they save their chat logs. Their chat maybe helpful and our members could be the only ones we allow to sign up for the group. I will give it some thought.

Just to be clear, the idea would be to still have the forums for questions. The chat room would just be an added feature, a place to "hang out" at nap time. Maybe there would be less venting threads because people could get in there, swear their little heads off, and then go back and be nice on the forums? :confused:

[mac60]

Why does everything have to be saved for future reference. Sometimes when having a bad day, or dealing with a bad situation, we may like to post things at the moment, to get an answer, but not want the issue to be on public display for ever and ever. A big reason I quit posting so much. I just feel if I post it, it is mine, and I have the right to remove it if wanted/necessary.

[Heidi]

Why does everything have to be saved for future reference. Sometimes when having a bad day, or dealing with a bad situation, we may like to post things at the moment, to get an answer, but not want the issue to be on public display for ever and ever. A big reason I quit posting so much. I just feel if I post it, it is mine, and I have the right to remove it if wanted/necessary.

yeah like that...say it, get a pat on the back...move on... Grab a sandwich once the kids are down, sit down for a kaffe klastch.

There would always be threads of "how do I deal with biting", and "WWYD" and "Hi, I am a new provider...". But some of the more immediate things "I can't believe dcm did this!" and "My husband is such a creep today.." don't need to be archived (and it's probably better if they're not).

Anyway, if the technology exists, sign me up...

[SandeeAR]

That was why a while back, I suggested the "off topic" area to Michael. In hope that it could be used as a Daily Chat.

We did that on an ebay forum years ago. Whomever was on first in the morning (usually the West Coasters) would start an thread that said... Example: Wednesday Morning's Coffee Pot.

Everyone would go there when they were on and chit chat. We would constantly check the threads on the forum to see if we needed to replay and then go back to the "chat thread".

[godiva83]

I LOVE the idea
Would really keep me entertained on bed rest!

If on Facebook, would that then mean we would lose the 'anonymity' of our user names? I am not 100% certain I would utilize it, if that were the case. I like to still remain somewhat anonymous - nothing to hide, but if I wanted certain people's opinions I would ask them directly KWIM

I also agree that not EVERYTHING needs to be archived, like the typical 'water cooler' talk get it out, get it over with, move on. Maybe then the parents that utilize the forum would not see as much venting and paint such a bad picture of the providers that sometimes use the forum as a place to vent certain frustrations.

I think it would only add to the forum not take away from the board. I know I would still post important questions I need advice on.

We could always make a thread 'Wednesday's Chat'

[Countrygal]

Great idea, bbo!

For nap time, but maybe eves, too??

I've been on forums with chat before and you feel like you get to know the people better. You tend to get a better "feel" for their personality as well, which I think lessens "misunderstandings" on the board, at least for the ones who choose to participate in chat.

I've only been very active on one chat board that was connected to a forum before - that was an ADHD site. Seems like a pretty similar situation to me. I think it might not only be fun, but helpful.

Someone could get on and say "QUICK" I need a snack idea! Instant answer, if anyone is online! ::

[Michael]

Why does everything have to be saved for future reference. Sometimes when having a bad day, or dealing with a bad situation, we may like to post things at the moment, to get an answer, but not want the issue to be on public display for ever and ever. A big reason I quit posting so much. I just feel if I post it, it is mine, and I have the right to remove it if wanted/necessary.

Well FB saves everything. It is going to cost me several hundred dollars but if it makes all of you happy I will buy it.

I hope it turns out the way you had hoped. Be looking for the CHAT link in the dark blue link section near the top of the forum.