60 replies to this topic

[Jackie]

As many of you know we've been having quite a few problems with chat, and for some it's been pretty much unreachable. We've been patient with it but you have to draw the line somewhere, and frankly I think we're all sick of the unreliability.

So, we now have a new solution. The downside is that it isn't integrated into the forum, so you won't be able to see at a glance if there are people already in chat. The upside is the new chat actually works reliably (a few peeps have already tested the new service and would agree with that).

I say 'chatroom', it's actually much better than just a chatroom - it's powered by IRC. Thanks to Crossbow (really, huge thanks, I have no idea how to run an irc server) we now have our own IRC server. For the less tech/IRC savvy I'd recommend using the Mibbit link above, but if you'd prefer to use an irc client just connect to irc.ukvapers.net with the client of your choice.

All references to the old chat system will be removed shortly, and it's currently closed with a message linking to the new chat service in place.

To access the new chat service you can either -

1. Use mibbit directly rather than in our widget.

• Go to http://chat.mibbit.com
• In the first box, click the link where it says 'server' - a text input box will drop down. In that, type in irc.ukvapers.net
• Then enter your desired nick (usually your forum username) and in the channel box type #ukvapers
• Click the button that says 'Go' and that will connect you to the server and channel and you can chat away to your hearts content.

2. Use a desktop IRC client to connect to irc.ukvapers.net

There are lots of different clients to choose from. The most common windows client is MIRC, but it's only free for 30 days. You can also use Pidgin or Trillian, although they're IM clients they both also do IRC and are free. If you use Firefox you can also use the Chatzilla addon which is also free.

If you've never used an IRC client and would like to try one I'll try and put some little guides up at some point over the next few days to help you get started.

Edited by Jackie, 09 September 2010 - 11:19 PM.
Removed old method of access as it was flakey

[Onceupon]

Jackie, on 07 August 2010 - 02:31 PM, said:

...(a few peeps have already tested the new service and would agree with that).

I couldn't find the door on the way out. However, I did write a nice review of it. On the back of a spare stamp.

[xjohnukold]

This is just a general comment about IPB Chat... they have been working on this as an integral element of the forum software to my knowledge FOR MANY YEARS.... I am simply gobsmacked that it STILL doesn't do PERFECTLY what it says on the tin... no ifs or buts... Sorry, but this is simply ridiculous. It seems there are some things on t'interweb that haven't actually evolved enough. Rant over!

[xjohnukold]

Onceupon, on 07 August 2010 - 02:46 PM, said:

I did write a nice review of it. On the back of a spare stamp.

Are you a miniature writing hobbyist by any chance?

[Onceupon]

xjohnuk, on 07 August 2010 - 02:48 PM, said:

Are you a miniature writing hobbyist by any chance?

Not really. I used a black Magic Marker.

[Alice]

These summer days must just fly by for you!

[xjohnukold]

Onceupon, on 07 August 2010 - 02:51 PM, said:

Not really. I used a black Magic Marker.

Phew! Thank goodness for that! I initially misread that as a 'Black Magic' marker! Used to inscribe back of stamp with curse, sent to folks like MHRA... I've no experience of using these myself...

[Onceupon]

xjohnuk, on 07 August 2010 - 03:37 PM, said:

I initially misread that as a 'Black Magic' marker!

I knew somebody would.

[Alice]

Or a writing implement constructed from dark chocolates with mostly soft centres.

(bring back Terry's Spartan I say)

[Onceupon]

Concupiscible, on 07 August 2010 - 06:25 PM, said:

(bring back Terry's Spartan I say)

My mum used to love those hard centres. Then everyone in the world stopped making them and she's cried ever since.

'Oh pull yourself together, mum.' I'd say.

[Alice]

Do you think we have the same mum?

[Jackie]

Concupiscible, on 07 August 2010 - 08:52 PM, said:

Do you think we have the same mum?

Btw...hello Dave (your IP address tells all).

[Onceupon]

Jackie, on 07 August 2010 - 09:06 PM, said:

Btw...hello Dave (your IP address tells all).

Huh? Alice is really Dave?

All those dirty thoughts...

I feel sick!

[Jackie]

Onceupon, on 07 August 2010 - 09:14 PM, said:

Jackie, on 07 August 2010 - 09:06 PM, said:

Btw...hello Dave (your IP address tells all).

Huh? Alice is really Dave?

All those dirty thoughts...

I feel sick!

Alice is Dave, or Dave is Alice...take your pick.

[Onceupon]

Well, it's all starting to make sense now.

[Rusty]

Jackie, on 07 August 2010 - 09:16 PM, said:

Onceupon, on 07 August 2010 - 09:14 PM, said:

Jackie, on 07 August 2010 - 09:06 PM, said:

Btw...hello Dave (your IP address tells all).

Huh? Alice is really Dave?

All those dirty thoughts...

I feel sick!

Alice is Dave, or Dave is Alice...take your pick.

You're even scaring (or is that scarring?) me now Jackie - and I 'a'n't flirted with either on 'em!!!

[Onceupon]

So are we talking cohabitation or Dave in a wig?

[Alice]

It is just a little three day joke.

Crossbow always knows who I am in chat, Jackie has been temporarily mislead twice, and tonight I pretended I was a Dave.

Don't worry OU - I'm all woman... albeit an overweight, spotty, quite mad one.

[Onceupon]

Concupiscible, on 07 August 2010 - 10:00 PM, said:

...albeit an overweight, spotty, quite mad one.

Nothing like Dave, then.

Back to the dirty thoughts. Cheers.

[Alice]

Happy to help.