What this forum needs is a shoutbox. A shoutbox is a little section on the side of the main page (of the website) where members basically chat back-and-forth using no more thatn 2 or 3 sentences for each "shout". Each member can only "shout" up to a maximum of 25 times per day. This forum has a shoutbox: http://www.philosophyforums.com Check it out to get an Idea of what a shoutbox looks like. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
I feel obligated to respond since I added to the view count. I think it's pretty neat but unsubstantial and should ultimately be left up to the site designer. So I'm not going to vote as I'm on the fence. Truly sorry. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. But at least I answered you, right? Somebody else... ?
Most shoutboxes consist of advertisements, 'A/S/L?', and 'anybody home?' messages. I don't like em as they don't seem to have any use whatsoever. If I want to 'chat' it isn't going to be in a small little box on the side of the page.
instead of a shoutbox, why not a rant thread, where people are allowed to falme indiscriminatley about anything, from other members to the world in general. however, flaming would be consigned to this thread so people like me could vent their anger aat things (like puddles) in a controlled manner...