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Enki -> IRC Discussion Channel (8/28/2004 12:11:41 AM)

After spending some time in the #lobby it becomes clear that it's not a perfect medium for serious discussion of BDSM topics. A lot of really good conversation is had, but it's very much akin to trying to have a board meeting at a nightclub. Lots of din and scroll.

Have there been any experiments in the past with a set discussion channel on the IRC server? If so I'm wasting my time writing this, but if not maybe something can be derived from what I'm about to outline. This idea is still gestating so I'll elaborate my thought process.

Pros
-Allows for conversation without scroll caused by chit-chat
-Discussion topics can be brought up and agreed on with more expedient consensus (or perhaps moderated)
-Logs could provide fuel for consideration and discussion on the forums

Cons
-Niche channels are highly succeptible to becoming empty if not constantly populated
-Discussion had in a seperate channel won't be seen by those in the #lobby, and very few newbies get past that room, preventing them from seeing where the more intense discussion is going on (sometimes simply because they don't know how to change channels in IRC)
-Biased moderation could lead to a poor perception of the channel

Looking at that list, it becomes apparent that without some manner of event scheduling, a channel of that kind relies entirely on constant discussion and activity to remain alive. Perhaps a set discussion channel is only feasible as a set place for scheduled topics. Then again, perhaps our community has the constant level of activity required to keep discussion flowing 24/7.

The more readily apparent dynamic is to reserve a room aside such as #discussion, which could function during most hours as an ad-hoc conversation point, and at set hours be a forum for moderated discussion on a pre-set and announced topic. This model is quite normal, the best examples I can think of are the IRC channels used by computer software or games in beta testing. A constant low hum of conversation is typical in those, punctuated by peaks of activity during scheduled chats where the program developers make an appearance to speak and answer questions.

I think that's a workable model, and I'm curious to hear what others think, especially those moderators and staff of CollarMe.



ModeratorOne -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 9:40:10 AM)

I moved this to the General BDSM area since I thought it would be a good idea to generate some discussion around this issue.

I personally like the idea of a scheduled chat and its been mentioned before but there are some concerns.

First is Who is going to volunteer to host these chats?
Will we have a different host each week? each month? what will they discuss? I suppose it should be a topic they would be considered an expert in. What if the topic or opinions are contraversial? what if something mentioned was incorrect? Would these be the opinions of Collarme.com? How will we promote it? The majority of the users do not read the forum, how will they know about the scheduled chat?

These issues and more are what come to mind.

What do the rest of you think?



proudsub -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 9:51:25 AM)

Is there any way to have a chat as part of the message boards here?When i look at the list of who is logged on here i often think it would be fun to chat with them rather than just communicate on the boards.[:)]



Sundew02 -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:20:03 AM)

A few possible solutions to one or two of the disadvantages and stones in the road would be to have a rotating "host" just someone to type once in a while, this is the opinions of the occupants of the room and in no way reflects the views of collar me. I don't see the need to have an "expert" there for the topic of discussion, as we will be giving our opinion which of course will vary as much in a chat room as it does on the boards.All you would need in that aspect is someone not TOO involved in the topic to bring the chatters back to the topic and away from heated personal flames. A possible help for those looking for chat might be a small advert when we sign on saying something about the availability of a topic chat room? and yes a chat button with the other destinations on the left would help. Sundew



proudsub -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:26:08 AM)

quote:

A few possible solutions to one or two of the disadvantages and stones in the road would be to have a rotating "host"


On another board i go to anyone can host a chat. They just announce on the boards that they will be in chat at a certain time and then others tend to join in.



MrThorns -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:32:06 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ModeratorOne

First is Who is going to volunteer to host these chats?


As with anything, the membership will have to step up and host these chats.

quote:


Will we have a different host each week? each month?what will they discuss? I suppose it should be a topic they would be considered an expert in. What if the topic or opinions are contraversial? what if something mentioned was incorrect? Would these be the opinions of Collarme.com? How will we promote it? The majority of the users do not read the forum, how will they know about the scheduled chat?


This is a much more difficult problem. As a lot of people do have lives that take up a lot of their time, it doesn't seem feasible that someone hosts for an entire week or an entire month, unless of course, they are able to just stay logged in while they are off and about for the week.

Maybe doing some market research could help. Having a specific channel open during certain peak hours? A schedule of topics? (Granted, the topics can branch off..but it's a starting point.) Here's a hypothetical using me as a host:

I will volunteer to host a channel on Mondays and Wednsdays at 12:00am GMT. The topic will be on Blade play. I will keep the channel open from 12:00amGMT until 3:00am GMT.

There could be a calander posted on the homepage that shows the topics, times and the person hosting.

Topics get controversial. I think that is something that needs to be acknowledged. People will argue their points of view. Problem is when people make the arguments personal. I don't think personal attacks should go unchecked. The host will have the ability to block a user from the rest of the discussion should the violator continue the personal attacks.

As much as I have bitched about the Terms Of Service, in regards to what can be discussed and what cannot, I do understand them and would support them. The same TOS would apply to chat as it does to the forums.

The opinions could never be those of collarme.com. Cover-yer-ass legalese.


I think it would be great to see a topic driven chatroom. I've been to the lobby...but it makes me absolutely nuts at times. I would love to see a channel that actually revolves around the various issues within the community versus watching people launch banannas (WTF is that about anyway?) or smileys around the room non-stop.

Anyway...there's my idea of how Collarme.com could make something like this work.

~Thorns



afmvdp -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:42:03 AM)

well there is no need for it to be a specific planned chats, though those could work too like proudsub mentioned just talk to a mod, announce a desire to host a chat about said object at said time and there ya go, just an extension to the current chat system is really ideal though. Currently the chat rooms here do leave quite a bit to be desired unless your goal is cyber play. Me personally I'd love a chat system on here for people more akin to the type on the boards, more serious discussions on issues, circumstances, trainings, random shit of the sort. Truth is most the time I've found the higher minds end up on the boards rather than the chats though regardless, maybe that's where it stems. Chat is for long term contined talking between people rather than boards which are a few quick responses, short reading, and then you're out.



Sundew02 -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:43:03 AM)

Hi Thorns, I thought a little less time consuming for the "host". My rotation idea is more like a couple of hours then someone else could be the "host". My thought was to have them type or have so they can quickly cut paste and send "these are the opinions of the participants, not the views of CM" something like that at set intervals. Sundew



Sundew02 -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:46:37 AM)

Also it would be helpful at times to just expand on a hot topic from the boards, get a clearer view of what the participants feel without the lag. And help out the mods from having to scroll through every post, when the room closes the type is gone from their site. As to topics I agree with afmvdp, no need to regiment topics, just let the one opening the room pick. Sundew



ModeratorOne -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 11:28:28 AM)

Well we have regular chat ops in the Lobby who watch over the rooms in general but I think I will try and make a calendar on the forum here and anyone can post whenever they want to host a chat. I was thinking of a scheduled chat once a week on a specific topic but if I make a calendar anyone who wants to host a chat on a specific topic ann write in when they want to host and on whatever topic, and what I may do is every time someone gets an approval letter for their profile or journal I can stick a little link telling people to check out the chat calendar.

That may generate some more traffic.

Will see how it goes, now let me try and figure out how to set up the calendar lol.



ModeratorOne -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 11:32:55 AM)

http://www.collarme.com/forum/calendar.asp?calendarID=4&caldate=2004-08-29

try that link?



MrThorns -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 11:38:49 AM)

Very cool... I think this could work out well.

~Thorns



jillwfsub4blkdom -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 12:06:48 PM)

Mod One,
i want to thank you first of all for putting this up in the general discussion area. i happened to be in the "lobby" chatroom when Enki brought the subject up and it was brought up with huge resistance.

At the time Enki brought it up, i also mentioned the fact that it would need volunteers to host it. i was kind of concerned that there might be a problem finding them. Glad to see that i was wrong and i hope this idea works. i would much rather spend my time talking about something constructive.



Darkfox -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 2:26:21 PM)

Um..I've spent a bit of time in the #lobby and have found that it is fine the way it is, in a sense it's a channel where one can just chat(wiether it be BDSM related or not).

If there is a problem with a large amount of non-bdsm stuff happening in that channel, why not create a channel for the scheduled chat design so that if one wants to talk about BDSM and the #lobby isn't talking about it can go to say...#bdsm to talk about it for that would be it's sole purpose(no non-bdsm talk allowed).



ModeratorOne -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 2:46:33 PM)

Well I hope that with the scheduled chat thing, if someone wants to talk about any particular topic they can and others will know about it.

If someone wants to talk about general bdsm or something as specific as breath play they can just pop it in the calendar and others will know when to join the discussion and in what channel.

This way if someone wants to host general BDSM chat every evening from 8-10 EST they can fill in that spot and create #BDSM and others will know where to go and when.



Sylverdawn -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 4:13:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ModeratorOne

I moved this to the General BDSM area since I thought it would be a good idea to generate some discussion around this issue.

I personally like the idea of a scheduled chat and its been mentioned before but there are some concerns.

First is Who is going to volunteer to host these chats? NLA here does this and there is a person who makes up a list and takes requests.. and each week a person with specific knowledgeor viewpoint hosts the panel.. Its always interesting.. and doesnt give anyone *ownership* of the hosting duties.
What if the topic or opinions are contraversial? two people making a cake can be controversial.. I would think that a moderator assigned weekly to remain outside of the conversation and sort of keep an eye for rising flow.. what if something mentioned was incorrect? A disclaimer on the door.. these are the opinions of the participant and no way reflects those of the administration of collarme.com The majority of the users do not read the forum, how will they know about the scheduled chat?These issues and more are what come to mind. How about a calender on the side bar.. or an automated email to all email accounts.What do the rest of you think?Sounds like fun



afmvdp -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 4:51:09 PM)

wouldn't it be possible to have a general bdsm chatroom itself added as well besides the standard chats. Thus there would be a similar seperation as what is here on the boards of the gbdsm chat is more serious and the lounge is more laid back, talk about whatever.



Sundew02 -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/29/2004 10:26:36 PM)

Mod one, Thank you for checking into this and making it a posibility. But I would hate for it to be those hours. Such a limited time and for those of us living farther west an almost impossible time to be there. Sundew



ModeratorOne -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/30/2004 12:04:05 AM)

What hours???

I put the calendar up and anyone who wishes to volunteer to be a host is free to put up any date and time as well as topic and schedule a chat.

There are no set dates or times.

So far no one has volunteered to host any chats.

Please feel free to go to the calendar and start a chat any time you would like about any topic you would like.


As far as a #BDSM we tried that more than once but the rooms were always daed. It seemed everyone would only go to the lobby.



proudsub -> RE: IRC Discussion Channel (8/30/2004 12:39:31 AM)

I'm a little confused here. Are we talking about a new chat room accessed through Collarme chat, or is this a whole new IRC channel? I'm not very familiar with IRC, never got it to work right. Will i be able to access this room without using IRC?



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