Shoutbox

[Eclipse]

Do you think that having a chat box is a benefit or an annoyance for forums?

From my personal experience with previous sites, chat boxes kill content since everyone is chatting in the chat box instead of creating threads/replies. I usually limit a chat box to premium members+ or to only staff members to discuss site updates, announcements, etc. I do enjoy the ability to use a chat box, but content is more important to keep the forum alive.

 

[Allenafaith]

I like forums that have a shoutbox, I feel like it's a much easier way for staff to connect with members. It can be annoying if there's always drama going on in the shoutbox, though.

 

[Tornado]

I like them obviously, but like the OP said they distract people from posting on the forum and just creates drama. Unless you can have a full backlog and moderation inside the shoutbox, I think it isn't worth the trouble.

 

[David Smith]

No I don't because I think it takes away the distraction from the forum because you can discuss anything in a chatbox. Plus it is easier to post in a chatbox than in a forum. Some people only like it because they want to be a mod in it and abuse their powers. Maybe it will work for staff but then again you have Skype for that.

 

[Kane]

I feel that all the discussions on the forum should be done within the main forums, even when these threads and posts are temporary topics like hello and good bye. I do not like Shoutbox and I have never used Shoutbox on my forums.