Chat rooms are divided into two types
moderated (you are being monitored for inappropriate language, queries or behaviour) and unmoderated.
It is standard practice to have to log in with a user name, id and password. The chat board is split
into two parts - general public area and chat rooms. Chat rooms can be divided into interest categories (you select the topic and join the conversation) or private rooms (chat between two people only). It is well worth setting up a separate e-mail account for chat room correspondence, as this will help to keep your real mail private and un hindered by any resultant spam. If you log in but are not active you will be classed as a lurker. You may find yourself lurking for your first few visits, to gain a better understanding of the board and its' participants. Do read user profiles if available. Do not be afraid to slow the pace down if you think things are moving too quickly. Do not give out your personal details in general access areas i.e. e-mail address, telephone number. Only give out your personal information when the time feels right to you. Do keep a notepad handy - e-mail addresses, user names and true identities can be hard to keep track off. Do set up a folder for you to put received details in. Always ask before sending e-mails, pictures or files. Always ask before phoning. Paysites are less likely to have circular conversations (everyone is so busy saying Hi that the conversation never gets going) and also less likely to have persons mis-representing theirselves. |