[The Real Slim Shady]

I think Chat, irc in particular, really binds a community. It allows you to interact with each other on a less formal level. I have a forum/site now that has been around for about 12 years. Its not that active at this point (due to 10 months of downtime and a lost domain due to the original admin) but we still have 10+ people idle on our irc chan and weve all known each other at least 8 years, some of us go back even 8-10+ years. Dont think there isnt anyone that doesnt get along. And old members finding their way back always seem very pleased to find us.

I dont think forums alone can generate that kind of community/membership tbh Mutual respect perhaps. But not to the degree of what i see with interactive chat. But maybe you can do it. I just havent seen it happen before.

[JesseH]

Hey,
I really can't think of anything better with IRC, or better with forums, I just want to get some members there, and have good educational talks. I think both of them together, forums, and a channel will work better. With forums people can make long, tutorials and it be there forever. That would be spamming in IRC. So with forums you can go into more detail. With irc it's those side conversations, and tips that make it good. If you get a quick question, then you can ask and possibly save time. Also I like the point of it bringing people to a more personal level. My experience with IRC has proven that. Those who I chat with frequently on IRC are closer to me then those I get advice from on a Forum. So one is not better then the other, but both together == awesome-sauce.
Also, some people here have never used IRC. In that case, go into google, and type 'How to irc' and I am sure you will get some good info. I think there are tutorials on this forum as well. I hope more people came, a couple have passed through but no one is idling. However the conversation I did have makes it worth having. Anywho join it!
If you don't have a client, then use this. http://webchat.freenode.net/
Choose any nickname you want.
Type ##hc_unofficial into the channel.

JesseH

[JesseH]

Hey,
Oh lord, I was unable to get on yesterday. The site seemed to be down...I wish someone was on IRC to tell me what was going on!

JesseH