A new Chat system was added April 13, 2020 to enable instant private member-to-member communication via:
Chat should run equally well on a desktop, tablet, and mobile device.
To start a Chat session with another member, simply click the new 🗣Chat button at the top of the member's detailed profile*.
After initiating a Chat connection, members may take it to Audio or Video+Audio Chat by clicking the or icons respectively. Both parties will receive a permissions prompt to enable their respective computer microphones and, if video, cameras.
Chat is currently available to subscribers only, but there are no additional charges for use and it may be used as often as you wish. Token-only members and members may not participate in a Chat session at this time. The 🗣Chat button will be dimmed (🗣Chat) if the initiator is a member, or if the target party is off-line or does not have a sufficient subscription level.
Do you hear chimes? Then you have a new message. Open your Chats window to view your new messages – those tagged a green circle + number, like this:
. Click to view.Tip: You can turn off Chat Sound Notifications if you prefer. Instructions below in Preferences/Advanced Features.
To disable the Chat feature for your account,
visit Profile
Most members don't stay logged in for than 5-10 minutes. If you'd like to Chat with a fellow member, it's best to pre-arrange a time, via e-mail, when you can both be online. (For distant contacts, be careful of time zone differences!)
To open Chat, click at the bottom right of your screen:
Chats | - on desktop devices |
![]() |
- on mobile devices |
Once opened, the Chat top bar will appear as:
◦◦◦
Chats
|
- on desktop devices |
⠇
👦 Username
|
- on mobile devices |
◦◦◦ | - open Preferences/Advanced Features (desktop), detailed below. |
⠇ then More | - open Preferences/Advanced Features (mobile), detailed below. |
- view system announcements (desktop) | |
⠇ then Announcements | - view system announcements (mobile) |
- minimize Chat box |
Normally set (automatically) to Available when you login. But you may change your status explicitly to Away, Busy, or Invisible if you wish to avoid interruptions.
The notification buttons = on, = off. All items default to on.
Sound Notifications | Warning: Disabling Sound Notifications is no different than disabling your door bell... you may miss visitors! | |
Popup Notifications | Warning: You may miss people interested in chatting if you disable Popup Notifications. | |
Show Read Receipt |
A variety of feeds from CNN to Jokes.
Just for fun.
Our chat facility uses the latest WEB technologies. The latest release of your browser is strongly recommended. We officially support:
Get the latest version of popular browsers here.
* To view a member's detailed profile, click their username at the top left of their abbreviated profile.