Chat

[Scotto]

Just curious when we might see a chat feature. No complaints, since the site is moving along so nicely, just curious.

[Nick]

Scotto,

A chat program and a links section are in the works, it's just a matter of finding the best program to get the job done. There are several chat programs available (for free, or for a cost), but they all have their positives and their drawbacks. There is one in the works though.

-Nick

[Jeftichew]

how bout a product review databse? I still feel that would really help this site stand out among others.

[Nick]

Jeftichew,

That's definitely a necessity; however, the issue with that is figuring out the best way to tie in the product review system with the forum database so everything is seamless. With the links system or chat software, that's not an issue, but it does become a little trickier when it comes to an organized review system, so that's in the works too, but expect chat and links before it.

-Nick

[Jeftichew]

no luck with the links i suggested before (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=63&postcount=10)? they seemed to suggest easy integration with vBulletin. I havent actually tried it setting it up though, so it may be way more complicated/involving

[Nick]

no luck with the links i suggested before (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=63&postcount=10)? they seemed to suggest easy integration with vBulletin. I havent actually tried it setting it up though, so it may be way more complicated/involving

Those are all good suggestions, and believe me, I've reviewed those links, probably 50 times in the past two weeks, as well as spent countless hours searching for other alternatives... They're all good, but that's just it, they're not great. The issue has to do with integration as far as the user fields in the database are concerned, but also usability, and how people would go about accessing and using the review software.

As it is now, there are quite a few good reviews in the various forums. Discussion of the product, not just everyone giving it an "x out of 5" is essential, so do we keep discussions in the forums, but reviews and ratings elsewhere on the site? Do we 'mirror' the review/rating discussion and have it available in a searchable database, as well as in its appropriate forum? These questions (and many more) have been bouncing around in my booze addled head for a while.

Believe me jeftichew, it's something that I've put much consideration into, and ANY suggestions, or comments on the matter are invaluable. :smile:

-Nick

[rtaylor61]

Nick,

It would have been nice to have chat "yesterday!". However, in the two chat sessions I experienced at SMF, it seemed that many were being booted out, and having to re-join the session. As much as I want it now...I also want it to be right. Kudos to Jeftichew (I would love to know how you came up with that "handle") for suggesting options, and kudos to you for researching and working to make sure that things go smoothly! With over 100 members in a very short time, I'm sure that B&B is experiencing technical growing pains. Since B&B is so new, we all need to remember that we must crawl before we walk. And with a little patience, eventually, we will all be cruising like Lance Armstrong!

Randy