[DocJohn]

Rationale

Our current chat software is old and no longer supported by the company who makes it (who went out of business with no notice). Because browsers and smartphones are always changing, we need to keep up with the technology when it comes to chat (which is different than the forums). It's hard to do that when the company has stopped performing updates to its software.

Therefore, we need a new chat room system.

The Choice

After evaluating a host of different products, we're likely going to be settling on this product to implement:

https://www.arrowchat.com/features/

You're welcomed to go over and give it a try on their website. The only thing it doesn't support right now is the ability to see who is in what chat room from outside the chat system. I don't think that's a deal breaker, but I do understand how we would prefer it to be different.

This chat system also supports one-on-one chats outside of the chat system (e.g., anytime you log onto the forums), so it makes it easier to keep in touch and chat with your friends. It is similar to the Comet Chat bar we had at the bottom of the forums for a year or two.

Let me know what you think!

Best,
DocJohn

it's exciting we're getting a new chat software.

the old one kept throwing me off, so I hope this one's better

[Artchic528]

This new software looks interesting. It'll be an adjustment, but I'm sure we'll grow to love it. Maybe even more than the old software we're currently using.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

I really like the looks of that, John. Hope it works out, because I think that's perfect for PC. Although I would be concerned about the voice and video messaging, as well as the file sending feature.

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm not sure if arrowchat is available here on iTunes in Australia for download on smart devices. If it is - it isn't showing when I search the app store.

None the less, I think that the software looks great for computers!

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

Rationale

Our current chat software is old and no longer supported by the company who makes it (who went out of business with no notice). Because browsers and smartphones are always changing, we need to keep up with the technology when it comes to chat (which is different than the forums). It's hard to do that when the company has stopped performing updates to its software.

Therefore, we need a new chat room system.

The Choice

After evaluating a host of different products, we're likely going to be settling on this product to implement:

https://www.arrowchat.com/features/

You're welcomed to go over and give it a try on their website. The only thing it doesn't support right now is the ability to see who is in what chat room from outside the chat system. I don't think that's a deal breaker, but I do understand how we would prefer it to be different.

This chat system also supports one-on-one chats outside of the chat system (e.g., anytime you log onto the forums), so it makes it easier to keep in touch and chat with your friends. It is similar to the Comet Chat bar we had at the bottom of the forums for a year or two.

Let me know what you think!

Best,
DocJohn

Would this mean we could send files anonymously without having to upload them on our profile first? BEcause right now that's the only choice or to share yyour other social media profile names to link to images.

So will the report feature be set up to send reports directly to the admins here? I assume the ability for any user to create their own room will be deactivated?

It looks a lot simpler than 123FlashChat (and I have some nostalgia with that because I used it in 2007) but it would definitely work.

[Hairball]

I think it looks great, when is the shift going to take place?

[bluekoi]

Looks promising!

Always enjoyed

one-on-one chats outside of the chat system

when I first joined.

[Tamster]

please do give us a heads up when the switch is going to take place.
this is exciting~~~!!!!!

[reb569]

Looks good, and flash not required...

[ToeJam]

Excited about the one to one chat, missed the last one when it went.

I haven't used the chat feature all that much because I found it rather clunky but when this change takes place, I just might start using the chat feature in the future.

I like the modern looking UI of the new chat software; it looks and feels more like Facebook's messenger app which is a plus.

[Artchic528]

We still haven't gotten a ETA on this software. I feel like we are due an answer. Please tell us ASAP.

[sabby]

Patience m'dear, patience. As soon as DocJohn has it all figured out, he will get it going.

[tyranover]

Aww man, I'm late on the news. That's what I get for not checking the Forums.

I'm Psyched about the update here! ArrowChat looks like it'll fit PC chat perfectly!

[DocJohn]

Sometime in July is all I can say right now...

This looks great!

[tyranover]

I hope this doesn't come across as nagging, but as it's been just 5 days short of a month, do we have a more refined ETA? No problem if no

[Artchic528]

Originally Posted by tyranover

I hope this doesn't come across as nagging, but as it's been just 5 days short of a month, do we have a more refined ETA? No problem if no

Yeah, I'd like a more refined ETA as well.

[lina33]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

Rationale

Our current chat software is old and no longer supported by the company who makes it (who went out of business with no notice). Because browsers and smartphones are always changing, we need to keep up with the technology when it comes to chat (which is different than the forums). It's hard to do that when the company has stopped performing updates to its software.

Therefore, we need a new chat room system.

The Choice

After evaluating a host of different products, we're likely going to be settling on this product to implement:

https://www.arrowchat.com/features/

You're welcomed to go over and give it a try on their website. The only thing it doesn't support right now is the ability to see who is in what chat room from outside the chat system. I don't think that's a deal breaker, but I do understand how we would prefer it to be different.

This chat system also supports one-on-one chats outside of the chat system (e.g., anytime you log onto the forums), so it makes it easier to keep in touch and chat with your friends. It is similar to the Comet Chat bar we had at the bottom of the forums for a year or two.

Let me know what you think!

Best,
DocJohn

I hit up https://www.arrowchat.com/demo/ to try on their admin and user demo. It looks pretty user friendly on each end. I'm doing a bit of research on the dev now. It should be okay though.

I created a test chat on their site for about 60 minutes if anyone wants to get in and try out the chat for a test drive. the password is test.
https://www.arrowchat.com/demo/ I'll be Admining for about that long.
Toodles.

[lina33]

Originally Posted by lina33

I hit up https://www.arrowchat.com/demo/ to try on their admin and user demo. It looks pretty user friendly on each end. I'm doing a bit of research on the dev now. It should be okay though.

I created a test chat on their site for about 60 minutes if anyone wants to get in and try out the chat for a test drive. the password is test.
https://www.arrowchat.com/demo/ I'll be Admining for about that long.
Toodles.

In addition the coding seems pretty easy too. I could even write custom notifications it looks like. Good choice!

[Artchic528]

Well, we're halfway into the month of July and no update....

Oh, I didn't know about this yet. Now I'm excited! I'm ready for the new chat software!

[Artchic528]

Still waiting....