OK, that WASN'T my last word on the subject.
Sorry, but what what craig says just shows he doesn't understand the function of a chat room. To suggest MSN or any other direct messaging service isn't the issue or an appropriate solution here. That involves friends lists, everyone on the same messaging system, limited access etc... etc...
The way to view a chat function is simply the same as the forums but on a real-time basis.
When you log into the site you can see instantly who is online in the forums, they could also access a standard and contstant hawley IRC room. For instance now, there are 5 people online (including Dave), i've just popped in for a minute while I was checking the footy tables, and could bob in and say hello. Talk bollocks for 5 minutes then say 'night night'.
You don't have to use the chat rooms. but there also seems to be another fear that if the chat was going on then you might 'miss something' which is bollocks.
Setting up the facility is as easy as it was appointing new admins.
I could do it independently but that would involve people setting up their own personal IRC client (which they wouldn't) . but if there was a tidgy widgy little button up there^^^^ that just said 'chat room' that opened a java applet, that would open up a whole new world.
I repeat that i'm suggesting this as an IMPROVEMENT to the forums and the site in general. If I thought for one second that it would tear the fabric of what is great about this microcosm of a community then I wouldn't be so vehement in my overt pushiness. I've seen it work elsewhere, and I know it could work here.
The 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' brigade have their way, then nothing will ever progress.
Now if you will please click below....
http://www.acmewebpages.com/midi/over.wav
Who's with me.... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!