We used to have a Java-based IRC chat here at 8052.com, but the external site was unreliable--often leading to a non-functioning chat room. I had no way to correct the problem since the Java applet and server were out of my control.

Another problem with the chat room is that, while there are quite a few of us who visit the forum, we're not always online at the same time--and those that are online aren't always going to just camp out in the IRC channel. When we had an IRC chatroom at this site, there usually wasn't anyone there--which significantly reduces its usefulness.

For the time being I agree with those that have opined that the forum is probably more practical and useful than a chat room would be. Questions can be answered by others that aren't online the moment the question is asked, and the whole question/reply chain is saved in the forum for the future benefit of others who take the time to search it.

Craig Steiner