I can see what you mean by saying that a chat type thread would be benificial to the forum, bringing people together by letting them freely communicate with other members; if there where no other means of comunication availible. Seeing there are a limitless number of messaging services out there I really don't see the need to have a chat room, shout box, or IMs on TFF.
Currently we have many ways to get to know other members; VMs and PMs are a good example and are already used for general chat purposes. Also there are social groups which enable like minded individuals to express their selves freely on the general topic at hand.
Contact information is availible on most of the TFF regulars, it can be viewed in many ways such TFF member profiles and viewing who's online.
Messenger services are free and easily accessable now adays and every one seems to be using MSN or AIM. I have over 40 contacts on my messenger list and only 2 of them are not from TFF.
As for an actual chat thread in general I would have to say no as I am sure all of the staff will. Focus would be taken off of the forum to a single thread by the members and more then likely it would turn into a 100 posts a day, which is not easily moderated.
Yes our members are good about reporting things but all it takes is one bad comment (Example: Flaming a noob) to set off alot of people crying over spilled milk that the staff will have to clean up.
Group chats could easily turn into spam factories and flamefests. If you have never been on a MSN chat I highly suggest you try one out and that would give you a slight idea of what a chat thread would be like. Every chat I have ever been on MSN could easily wipe out half of out members if it was moderated by TFF staff.
So my take on the matter is a simple no and I will stand by that.
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