Chat is like real life. We can't control the actions of those around us (unless they're small children or something). If we don't like the conversation, we can move out of earshot and not participate.

Chat can get silly, and even goofy. What is considered rude to some, isn't to others. There are different ages, etc. It happens.

Having said that, we all have really good tools to make the most of our chat experience. I remember once I was there with a couple of FUN ladies, and we had a blast. If someone would've come in, well, it could've been interesting. As in real life, convos can evolve, twist and turn.

As long as someone isn't being abusive, chat really can be an almost anything goes kinda thing. Sometimes chat is moving so fast that members aren't seen as wandering in. Sometimes they are, but people are busy typing and by the time they're finished, they've forgotten, etc. Some are shy or feeling vulnerable. What one considers rude, another does not. What one considers important, another might not.

I know chat can be difficult sometimes, and that's when we can IM someone and go to a different room or something. We have the tools to ignore those that might carry on convos that aren't within our particular tastes.

Having the wide variety of personalities that like to chat, it can be interesting at times.

Please use the tools that are available to you if you're having a problem. If someone is being abusive, notify a mod or admin and save the transcript. You can also PM a mod or admin to come in immediately, ignore the member, change rooms, etc.

Other than that, chat can be, and usally is its own world. We all have the great capability of making chat what we need for the most part...many rooms, tools for ignore, IM, the works.

If a new member wanders in and we're worried about the conversation or something, we can always welcome them and ask them if they'd like to change rooms if they have something they need to talk about. There are just so many options.

There should be a common curtesy. However, with the different ages and issues, even that might not be agreed upon. That's when you can use some of the great tools literally at your fingertips.

KD