This is sort of related to the other thread CRZ started about IM protocols, but is a different enough idea (if I say so myself) that I think it warrants a separate thread.
As we all know, The W is a message board not designed for real-time conversation. The moderators encourage people to speak freely, but as much as possible in a one-post-at-a-time, try-to-post-complete-thoughts manner. This format is encouraged by such rules as "no posting twice in a row in the same thread," "no posting in the wrestling folder during RAW," and, "post many times in the same thread in short succession at your own peril."
Don't get me wrong, the above policies are a BIG reason I keep reading this board, but there are times, it seems, when people would appreciate the chance to speak freely in a somewhat less restricted, somewhat more real-time manner.
To that end, I have a suggestion to throw out to people: what about a Jabber (jabber.org) server to accompany/augment the message board? Jabber is an open source IM protocol; free clients are available for all major operating systems, and most multi-protocol IM programs like GAIM, Trillian, Miranda, and CenterICQ support it. Further, it can provide "gateways" to other IM protocols. It supports chat rooms for specific discussion (e.g. RAW/Smackdown/PPV as-they-happen rooms), I believe it supports moderation of these "rooms" as well.
But otherwise, what do people think of this idea? My conception of what could be done would involve a private server run by The W, for the users of The W board. I could even envision an "access policy" of sorts that would require Jabber server users to be "posters in good standing" on the board proper before being allowed onto the chat server and potentially wreaking havoc (it might cut down on IM Spam, but might also increase board SPAM as people try to "qualify" for the chat).
Anyways, lots of possibilities here. I should make a few things clear, though:
- this would depend on CRZ's and Guru's blessings and interest as they'd be the ones hosting the server.
- I wouldn't want to see the chat server supersede or compromise the integrity of the board. I'm not even sure how much I'd personally use the chat, just that I think it's a neat idea.
- I'd be willing to donate time, energy, or expertise (HAH!) to such a project if there was support for it.
- Ironically, I've never used Jabber before (not for lack of interest, just haven't had any useful opportunity).
So what say the Ws? Is this something people would like to see? Or is it a flawed or just generally stupid idea?
I've run several open and private jabber servers in the past, and contributed plenty of code both upstream and to the Debian and Ubuntu jabberd packages, so if the Zims do want to implement something like this (including fancy hooks to make access dependant on board usernames/passwords), I can make it go.
This is not, however, an endorsement of the proposal. I'm relatively indifferent to the idea, but I'll happily set it up if the Brothers Zim thing it's a keen idea.
... Adam
Oh, I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to infer that you might be poverty stricken. Should I revise my statement to make it clear that you have way more money than brains?
In the past we have decided against IRC options, and chat has never been a priority. Additionally, Chris has already told me that he doesn't want to run any new applications off of this server.
It's an interesting idea, but I think I'm leaning towards "No." at this time.
Willful ignorance of science is not commendable. Refusing to learn the difference between a credible source and a shill is criminally stupid.
I actually asked CRZ about this idea in PM before posting the idea for mass consumption. His reponse was somewhere along the lines of "go ahead and ask the question of the board." He was interested in finding out if there was any interest without tipping his own or Guru's hands on the matter.
Of course, nobody posted except the other two admins.
So if people weren't responding because there was fear of annoying the admins, people can feel free to go ahead and comment.
On the other hand, continued lack of response will surely send this thread into the abyss (and serve as notice that that's where it belongs).
I would be interested in this only in the "talk about Raw as it happens" vein. It would be an interesting thing to do with the people on here. I've done it at another messageboard and it's pretty fun. I really can't think though any other time that I would use it, but it does sound like a decent idea to me.
Well, it'd probably mean I'd be slightly more active on the board than I have been recently. I think it'd be interesting to give it a trial run and see what the response level is. I'd probably use it to talk baseball.
Non-update: I haven't talked to EITHER Aaron or Adam about this. I can think of a lot of good reasons NOT to do this, but I'm not ready to say "no" just yet as I think it could be interesting/useful as well as incredibly annoying. I also want to do some more of my own research before saying anything. STAY TUNED
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