New chat room options (opinions please)

[venusbluejeans]

Hi all,

As a lot of you know we have been having problems with our chat room for quite a while now and we have been looking for a new one which is non java based.

Alex, Nic and I have been testing out a new chat room as we have found one that could potentially replace the current chat room.

There are several options for this chat room that we are available to us and one of those is the use of webcams in the rooms, To be honest we are completely torn as if we should include this or not.

On one hand we think that this will be a useful feature if someone is panicking and they are able to see and talk to someone then it may help them.

On the other hand we think that this privilege could be taken advantage of and maybe used inappropriately by some of our members.

I am writing this thread to ask peoples honest opinion on this matter……

1. Do you think webcams in the chat room are a good idea?
2. Do you think they will be abused?
3. What do you think the webcams would be useful for?
4. Does it spoil the anonymity of the chat room (you would be able to choose if you wanted to share your webcam with others)
5. Do you have any other issues with the use of webcams in the chat room?

Emmz

[Moley]

When I first saw your question it got me quite worried as I personally wouldn't want the webcam feature but as long as it is optional and I will still be allowed to use chat then I will go along with the majority. for me I find chat helpful but I like that its anonymous means I can say things that I wouldn't otherwise be able to talk about.
hope this makes sense.

[AnxietyDJ]

I would personally say that it is a nice thing to have, but very very non-essential and would need to be monitored and controlled by each individual.

The chat room is a good way for people to talk and express themselves anonymously and hopefully provide a platform to build confidence during some very difficult times, so the fact there is a webcam option could maybe be enough to put people off, or make them reconsider fully opening up just in case their identity is revealed.

My biggest worry would be the abuse of the feature. People using the chat room are often likely to be in a vulnerable state and potentially not capable of making the best decisions for themselves, so if there is a possibility that someone could be manipulative or abusive with the webcams - even if that possibility is very very small - it is something that should not be available to them.

Looking forwards to the new chat room!

[MyNameIsTerry]

In what ways could the webcam be abused?

One obvious problem is going to be giving medical advice and I don't believe that rule is followed much on here anyway. (Or is even possible considering some boards)

So, it might help if the downside can be defined?

[nomorepanic]

It could end up with someone exposing themselves I guess Terry!

It is not about giving medical advice or not - it is about what people can do and see on a webcam

[AnxietyDJ]

Yes, unfortunately this is the internet and no matter what site you are on, sex is very prevalent and there will always be people who try to use chat rooms and forums for their own abusive purposes. Sad but true.

[sial72]

I personally would not like to use a webcam, I think the site's anonimity is what gives people the confidence to reveal very intimate feelings. But if it is an option where people can decide wether they want to use it or not, both parts, then I don't see a problem. But as somebody above said I also see it as non-essential x

[MyNameIsTerry]

Good point Nic, but I promise I won't (heh, it's not in the rules though so I might get away with it if I'm not deemed as having offensive bits )

That does raise a very important issue over the age of people on here. I can see some people saying they are not comfortable talking to children, for instance.

It does kind of feel useful for some people, although it's not my thing. Perhaps if it's set to off by default and maybe it has to be turned on my admin the first time so some vetting is done if thats possible when thinking about kids?

You wouldn't want me in there anyway, your screens might crack and besides I would have to place a number of amusing objects in the background to give people a giggle.

Is Venus still trapping the Russian Brides?

[Phill2]

It could end up with someone exposing themselves I guess Terry!

It is not about giving medical advice or not - it is about what people can do and see on a webcam

That's the big one Nic

[MyNameIsTerry]

That's the big one Nic

It's not all about size, Phill...or so I've heard