Forum:Chat feature?

Wikia has a feature that allows instantaneous chat. Until now I've been firmly against enabling it, because we've got enough unconstructive socialising and commenting on this wiki as it is. However, a new user named FreeSmudger recently commented on a blog saying that this site feels more like a blogging site than a wiki (a sad fact that I can only agree with) and recommended a chat feature as a way to direct people away from blogs. Genius! Here, in our laps, is a solution. But turning on the chat feature without dealing with blogs at the same time is just going to make things worse. Therefore I open it up to community discussion: would people like a chat feature to be enabled, with the proviso that there are to be no new non-Sonic blogs from now on? I vote yay. Who's with me? -- Supermorff 12:04, September 2, 2011 (UTC)


 * I say yay, and I'm glad that you agree with me. But if things get too out of hand we'll have no choice but to remove it Charlie 12:12, September 2, 2011 (UTC)


 * Yay. I've noticed that some conversations on blog posts never relate to the blog itself, so those conversations should be discussed in a "chat box". I'll have to give myself a [[File:Promotion image.jpg]] 12:59, September 2, 2011 (UTC)Sacorguy79

Yay. Now the flood of Off-topic blogs can cease. But I have a few questions;


 * 1) What will happen if a user were to post an off-topic blog? Will it be subject to deletion or what? :


 * 1) Will there be any exceptions to this rule? Such Sonic Sprite Comics are allowed or something? (I've stopped mine, this is for other still-running series)


 * 1) Will the same apply for off-topic comments?


 * 1) What will count as "Sonic"? Would news regarding IRL Sonic be considered on-topic, or are the blogs limited to the wiki in general? AdmiralLevi.Signiture_B.gifAdmiralLevi._Salute_B.gif 13:02, September 2, 2011 (UTC)


 * In my opinion Admiral (if you don't mind, if you do, delete this post of mine):
 * This issue came up earlier where SlugDrones suggested that blogs should be Sonic-based only, and received a load of critical comments (A few Administrators disagreed with the suggestion as well). But in my opinion, I think a few non-Sonic related blog posts would be fine, just as long as there isn't an overhaul of them.
 * Sonic Sprite Comics should still be allowed for this wiki, because we have allowed users to edit user pages or blogs to show off their Sonic fan fiction, and sprite comics are also a type of fan fiction.
 * I did have an idea for this, but maybe it's a bit too strict.
 * I think that blogs regarding SEGA, fan-fiction, some off-topic (such as Disco's "What's your Desktop" blog) should be permitted for the wiki, while most off-topic and other stuff should be discussed in the chat box.

I'll have to give myself a 13:15, September 2, 2011 (UTC)Sacorguy79

My personal feeling is that we should initially allow discussions about Sonic fandom, so sprite comics would be okay as long as they include Sonic sprites. We should allow blogs about Sonic, Sega, fandom (but not actual pieces of fanfiction) and the wiki (this wiki specifically, or Wikia or wikis in general). I think anything else would be off-topic and could be deleted (although I see no reason to punish users beyond deletion of the blog, because it's hardly a high crime). I'm not sure about off-topic comments. Which way do people lean on that, and why? -- Supermorff 13:45, September 2, 2011 (UTC)


 * I vote yay. I have always wanted this to happen, didn't know Supermorff would think of it as "genius", I thought he would think I am crazy if I ever told him. As for the non-Sonic blogs not being allowed, I came up with that but users were negative about my opinion. And especially, to such an extent that Kagi bursted in anger against the rule on my blog and my talk page (how ill-mannered, he should know better than to rub it on my face twice) whatever, he is forgiven. But I am still bringing this up: Blogs can only be Sonic related whereas the chat can be non-Sonic related if wished, or perhaps the other way round. If you think this is insane then please say it nicely.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 13:58, September 2, 2011 (UTC)

I strongly agree with 58, and if I may, I would like to convey one of my own worries as well. For those of us who have been to chatrooms (and/or SFW) know that there will always be a user, or a group of them who will definetly try to start verbally assaulting other users on the chat. We should prepare for this before opening the chat. I suggest that we have an admin/beaurecrat watching the chat (not participating in it) and if something happens, take action. I'm not saying we should have one person watching it 24/7, but maybe we could assign each admin to watch over the chat for a few hours at a time. I'm a little doubtful that this plan would work, because not all of us are here everyday, but for those of us who have a frequent use of the computer, I think we could work out a schedule for a certain number of admins. Say, 3 hrs. each. Feel free to agree/disagree. -- Shelly 'the 'Hedgehog I'm not a monkey! 21:02, September 2, 2011 (UTC)


 * I'll be happy to volunteer as a Mod for the chatbox. AdmiralLevi.Signiture_B.gifAdmiralLevi._Salute_B.gif 21:30, September 2, 2011 (UTC) BTW, Admins can make non-admins in to chat mods to help. If you do make a chat could you make me one since it was my idea? But like I said before if too many bad things happen in it, we should just shut it down Charlie 21:14, September 2, 2011 (UTC)

LEVI: You're an admin so your automatically a chat mod. Charlie 21:36, September 2, 2011 (UTC) I vote for the chat, and the ability for admins to delete any non-Sonic related blogs. I fully agree with Supermorff about the conditions. I would like to say, though, that the chat mod timing might need to be shorter. I know that I can only go about two hours at a time staring at a computer screen, and if an emergency arises, it may be in the best interests for the chat if the times were shorter than 3 hour blocks. Werekitty119 04:52, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Supermorff, Genesjs and I come around here everyday. I think we can handle this. I am not sure about 3 hours though, I do other things on the internet besides SNN. And I am working on a project outside SNN.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 06:14, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Well, the 3 hours per user thing was just an example anyway. We can definetly shorten it. -- Shelly 'the 'Hedgehog I'm not a monkey! 10:35, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Alright.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 11:54, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

We need it! It will give the wiki a better look rather than having only, "this user commented this blog 12 seconds ago".... and as for the unrelated blogs, chat is the perfect place -- User:DiscoDuck

I say yay. I would really like to chat with some people here than just blogging. -- Cloudthehedgehog12 sez Ello Gov'ner! Happy 2011! 15:34, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Not much for the idea. The wiki already has some crazy people on it, and adding a chat box will make those crazy people say even crazier things, causing a riot, and eventually a ban. I don't think it's safe. It's easy and a great feature, but, at least for this wiki, I don't believe it's safe. Many of our users might get banned if it goes too far lol. I don't think it's a bad idea. But I don't think it's a good idea either. The idea of shortening the chat time with huge crowds, though, isn't a bad idea... --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 15:41, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Do we have crazy people here?--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 15:43, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

A few... don't want to name anyone or I might offend someone... --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 15:46, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Name please?--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 15:49, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

(*Fingers Crossed*) - User:DiscoDuck

Okay... I think we all know Jet50 and Neo/Jakethedude being some of the crazy ones. I really didn't want to say that. Even though they know they're considered some of the crazy or obnoxious ones... --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 15:51, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

I don't recall that... - User:DiscoDuck

As far as 'Sonic the Hedgehog's blogs, Chromia the Autobot's blogs, SalaComander's blog and some of Rainbowroad's blogs... Chat is needed - User:DiscoDuck

What about my blogs? Are you talking about my unrelated ones that I post practically every week or week and a half? I mostly post Sonic (and recently some blogs with Mario in them too) blogs. --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 16:00, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

There is no need to feel bad about it, Rainbow. It is completely normal to think like that. You've helped me, now I will keep these two names in mind while we're discussing.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 16:03, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Just throwing in my 2 cents, I think the chat thing is a good idea. It would make communicating much more stream lined, especially for Chrome users.CariconCommander 16:09, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

I am a Chrome user. How is it easier, exactly? I never found any problem.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 16:10, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

There's this glitch where comments don't appear on blogs. That seems to not be the case with the chat feature, which is why I believe it is superior.CariconCommander 16:14, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

We need this we can stop spamming blogs about random Non-Sonic stuff. -- Cloudthehedgehog12 sez Ello Gov'ner! Happy 2011!

Ah yes, that happens to me but I wasn't aware that only was with Chrome.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 16:19, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Oh, so now you guys are with me about this non-Sonic related blogs not being allowed rule? Heh, just kidding. Though it's true, I did not pass the rule but now you guys want it to pass? Okay then!--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 16:21, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Can I just be admin now..-_- I we done with this thing, I am hungrysleepy... -- User:DiscoDuck

Eh I'd say I'd like the chat option on here. I mean I want to chat with my old pals more often and a chat option is easier then just waste of space Blogs and bad editing. Ultimate Dude  127 16:31, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

@Genesjs: I think both could be optional, especially if something off-topic becomes a major discussion. Then that could be discussed in an off-topic forum. Same applies for any other major discussions. Sort of like on message boards, where there are the forums and the shoutbox. I'll have to give myself a 16:33, September 3, 2011 (UTC)Sacorguy79

A chat will be easier to access for socializing. These forums are "Site Discussion forums", which are only for discussing for the site. If we use forums and blogs, both will be entirely similar to each other and therefore there is no need for restricting non-Sonic related blogs or any random topic. There is no way I am going to let these forums for socializing, they are precious to me. I do not want these to end up like blogs. A live chat will be easier to keep track and it will reduce the usage of "spam blogs", if we put in forums then we would have "spam forums" as well. So random sentences can be said in the chatroom so that there is no need for it to be deleted. And thus we can reduce the Wiki Activity from being filled up with "this user commented 58 seconds ago".--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 16:36, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Yeah whatever happened to the Shout Box? Did it go away along with the old Wikia layout? --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 16:41, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

I hate them for changing the layout. The older one was better. There's a couple of new things that make things easier and such, but overall the old Monaco layout was much better than this one. --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 16:49, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

I am not against the new look. As an admin, I think admins finally look like the have more rights with this new system. And also considering that alot of things are optional. I am okay with what Wikia's doing.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 16:52, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Why can't we simply just put it and stop taking forever! Other wikis have it without discussions and benefits but this wiki will have it a benefit of spam blogs.. -- User:DiscoDuck

I think MarioWiki needs one come to think of it... I might ask. Anyways, I'm just going to stay idle on this one now, because I'm just not sure if I should say "yes" or "no" to it. --Rainbowroad6w, the researcher. ( Talk )( Recent finds and updates. ) 16:57, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

I agree with Disco, let's do this already! -- Cloudthehedgehog12 sez Ello Gov'ner! Happy 2011! 17:00, September 3, 2011 (UTC)

Why, thank you brother -- User:DiscoDuck

Well, I don't know. I have the rights to turn it on but I think I will be getting confidence if Supermorff will let me. So far, nobody is in disagreement though.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 07:30, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

I vote nay, mainly for the few people who don't use Oasis. This chat only works for people who use Oasis, so enabling it with the stipulation of no non-Sonic blogs leaves people like myself in a lose-lose situation: we cannot/do not wish to use the chat, but are forbidden from making any socializing blogs.--Kagi mizu -Seeya 'round 07:36, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

Who doesn't use Oasis here?--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 07:41, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

A few people like myself do not use it, and the chat is restricted solely to people who use Oasis (hardly a coincidence IMO). This would ultimately leave Monobook users like myself with the short end of the stick, because we not only lose the right to make blogs about anything besides something directly related to the wiki, but we're also unable to use the chat, pressuring people to use Oasis instead.--Kagi mizu -Seeya 'round 07:45, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

You make a point there, Kagi. But the majority use Oasis.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 07:46, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

Yes, but it's not fair to the people who don't use it. I'm for freedom of speech and consensus, as you know, but that only goes to the point where it does not come at the expense of others. I don't mind one way or another if the chat is active, but I do mind the fact that people who don't use Oasis would more or less be screwed. Majority vote or not, it simply wouldn't be fair to the rest of the Users.--Kagi mizu -Seeya 'round 07:49, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

There is nobody who is locking anybody here, there is nobody here who is not giving anybody freedom of speech and consensus so you're not the only one. Don't give me the impression that you think you are the only one, Kagi. But you still make a very good point. I never knew people prefered Monobook from Oasis, which is easier to use actually. Is it because of nostalgia? I don't anything nostalgic to remember about anyways. Though I am okay with people preferring Monobook, I still find it pretty stubborn of them for being completely relunctant to change. More like a riot, like you hate wikia for trying to be easier to use and more visually appealing. It looks more like Wikia is making a community that is more together but the one's who do not like changes are just breaking the community apart by complaining and using their older stuff while they are being ignored and are never going to be advanced because Wikia is making Oasis more advanced. Oh and by the way, are you using Monobook right now?--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 08:04, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

Yup. I use Monobook 24/7 and for everything, functioning just fine all the while. The only problem I have is uploading videos, which I've done only 4 times in my 2-3 years on Wikia. And I didn't mean to imply that freedom of speech was not being applied here. I only meant to put emphasis on the fact that while I implore freedom of speech and majority of vote, I prefer it to not come at the expense of others involved. For me, it's mainly because of principle and personal taste. Oasis was put in place with no sense of compromise and at the expense of the majority opinion: I refuse to use something put in place under circumstances. Second, I just find Oasis to be too flashy for my tastes, compared to the more practical and subtle Monobook and Monaco (may it rest in peace). I'm throwing no riot or anything, but I just refuse to use something that goes against my principles. Besides, I've never been a "joiner". The point is, majority shouldn't come at the undeserving expense of the individual. If something else could be decided upon that would appease both issues then I would be glad to hear it. But if such middle ground is not a possibility, I'll just have to vote "nay".--Kagi mizu -Seeya 'round 08:16, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

I understand both of you now.--58SlugDrones • (Contact) 08:29, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

That's good. So I hope you also understand that, with the current stipulations, I cannot support this.--<font color="#0000FF">Kagi <font color="#FF0000">mizu -<font color="#008000">Seeya <font color="#FFA500">'round 08:33, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

I vote neutral. Why? I don't have any negativity against the chat system, but for some reason, it doesn't work for me(and i ain't usin' Monobook). I tried it on the Fanon Wiki myself, and whenever I type a message, it doesn't show in the chat system, which is some sort of glitch so I wouldn't be able to use it(I was able to with my old computer, but with this new one I'm using, it glitches things up) I'm not against it, but I'm saying, I can't use it, so I would possibly be breaking the rules about "Non-Sonic related comments" which, I wouldn't LIKE to do, but I would anyway because I've got a glitch. Would that be a problem? Pinkolol16, I love Sonic...  I'm a Proud Sonic Fan  09:34, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

Result
Wow, it seems the community is overwhelmingly in favour of this, with one nay vote and a couple of people remaining neutral. Great, I will implement this straight away! -- Supermorff 09:43, September 4, 2011 (UTC)


 * We now have a Chat feature! -- Supermorff 09:47, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

And the stipulations for those who can't or won't use the chat? Or is this more or less Oasis all over again?--<font color="#0000FF">Kagi <font color="#FF0000">mizu -<font color="#008000">Seeya <font color="#FFA500">'round 09:49, September 4, 2011 (UTC)


 * Well, nobody can't use the chat. You won't and that's your choice. You could use the General forums. But the comparison to Oasis doesn't really hold since this has general community support, and Oasis didn't. -- Supermorff 09:53, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

I realize that. But will those who can't use the chat (such as not using Oasis or via technical difficulties) be likewise forbidden from making blogs not directly related to Sonic?--<font color="#0000FF">Kagi <font color="#FF0000">mizu -<font color="#008000">Seeya <font color="#FFA500">'round 09:55, September 4, 2011 (UTC)


 * Yeah, because we have no way of knowing who uses Oasis or not other than their word, which would render the entire exercise pointless. -- Supermorff 09:56, September 4, 2011 (UTC)
 * Out of curiosity, what happens when a Monobook user goes to Special:Chat? -- Supermorff 09:57, September 4, 2011 (UTC)
 * If you want to know someone with technical difficulties, look at me, I can't use the chat, because of a glitch. I'm now doomed to be banned on the site forever very soon. Pinkolol16, I love Sonic...   I'm a Proud Sonic Fan  09:59, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

Blank. Absolutely, totally blank. Like a totally plank page that doesn't even have a title.--<font color="#0000FF">Kagi <font color="#FF0000">mizu -<font color="#008000">Seeya <font color="#FFA500">'round 10:00, September 4, 2011 (UTC)


 * Kagi> Huh, weird.
 * Pinkolol> Not sure what you're talking about, because you clearly joined the chat, said "Hello?" and then left the chat again. I can see it on my screen. -- Supermorff 10:03, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

No not wierd, because it can only be used with Oasis. Hence why I said some sort of middle ground should be reached. It's not fair to the people who use Monobook to restrict socializing blogs.--<font color="#0000FF">Kagi <font color="#FF0000">mizu -<font color="#008000">Seeya <font color="#FFA500">'round 10:05, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

@Supermorff

Well, the "Hello" didn't appear on my screen. It was supposed to, but it didn't. That's my problem. Pinkolol16, I love Sonic...  I'm a Proud Sonic Fan  10:07, September 4, 2011 (UTC)


 * Pinkolol> I suggest you use Special:Contact and speak to Wikia staff about that. It may be a known glitch they can help with.
 * Kagi> If you want a workaround, you could try switching to Oasis, opening chat, then switching back to monobook. See if chat works then. -- Supermorff 10:10, September 4, 2011 (UTC)

Doubtful that will work Morff. Wikia certainly wouldn't let anyone use such a feature w/o Oasis being active. Why can't a compromise be reached to allow people to continue to make blogs to some degree? I mean, it works just fine on SFW. They have both blogs and the chat with no problem.--<font color="#0000FF">Kagi <font color="#FF0000">mizu -<font color="#008000">Seeya <font color="#FFA500">'round 10:12, September 4, 2011 (UTC)