What do you think about chat for this site?

POSTED BY: Haken
UPDATED: Saturday, June 1, 2002 02:38
VIEWED: 5045
PAGE 1 of 1

HAKEN

Thursday, May 30, 2002 3:41 AM

Okay, I've been wrestling with this for quite a while now, should I put a HTML based chat or a Java based chat on this site?

The HTML chat is fairly easy to create and I could probably write one from scratch in a day or two. It's a quick and dirty (but elegant) solution, but comes with it that annoying browser refresh. Plus side is that it'll work over a firewall and is compatible with almost everyone.

The Java chat is a bit more difficult and the development time longer (mainly because my Java programming skill is a bit rusty) but offers the advantage of speed. The downside is that it'll take longer to debug (because we're dealing with sockets, the UI, and things like that) and may not be compatible with all the browsers out there (not to mention their JVMs).

So which client do you prefer?

Keep in mind that I have to write both the client and the server.

I guess I could always buy something...

WOLFRAM

Thursday, May 30, 2002 4:43 AM

Oh, don't go shelling out wads of dough for us just yet, Haken dear. ;)

If you decide to go for it, go with what's easiest for you. HTML is fine for me---some of the Java ones---well, let's just say Java and I have some issues to work out. :D But if Java is easier and more functional for *you*, be my guest.

The always and ever-helpful, Wolfram

SHUGGIE

Thursday, May 30, 2002 1:06 PM

I'm not sure I'd be that fussed about chat at all - unless you could persuade cast and crew members to do some Q&A type chats.

Also I wonder about the load it'll put on the server if the site gets really popular.

But don't let that stop you.

Shug

Her lips were saying 'No' but then I looked into her eyes
... and her eyes were saying 'read my lips'
- Niles Crane

NOVAGRASS

Thursday, May 30, 2002 10:23 PM

I think that html chat would be great if you do decide to built a chat at all (I do think that chat is a nice idea... it would build inter-personal relationships between forum members, strengthening the community, I think.)

It's not a necessity, but it'd be benificial, I think. If it's going to be very difficult, don't worry!

--Dylan Palmer, aka NoVaGrAsS--

REDAG

Thursday, May 30, 2002 11:48 PM

I am all for HTML. I use Opera, mostly because I am a pretty standards/parsimony sensitive sort, so I prefer HTML. I wouldn't be distressed at Java though, as I've seen Opera's JVM work just fine with similar systems.

Redag

TLSMITH1963

Friday, May 31, 2002 5:26 PM

Doesn't matter to me. When I was on Webtv, I could only do HTML chat, but now that I'm on AOL, I can do HTML & Java.

Tammy

TIEKA

Saturday, June 1, 2002 2:38 AM

Personally, I would like a perfect java client. Considering that you want to write this, I'd settle for HTML. Actually, the refresh doesn't bother me and Java clients suffer from lag time anyway for me. (26K dial-up on 75 mHz doesn't do anything fast. )

Tieka

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