How to Add a Chat Room to a Web Page

Adding a chat room to your Web page encourages users to connect with each other and offer feedback. You can find free chat room utilities on the Internet, along with directions for setting them up and maintaining them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Type 'free chat room' into a search engine and review the listings.

2. Choose a site that offers an easy-to-use, customizable chat room.

3. Read the Terms and Conditions. If you decide to use a chat room from any site, you must agree to these.

4. Register with the site. Be sure to use a valid e-mail address, as the site will send the information to this address.

5. Once you have received the directions, open your HTML editor and position the cursor where the chat room 'entrance' will be located.

6. Copy the directions and paste them at the insertion point. Copying and pasting the information they send you usually ensures an accurate link.

7. Save your page and upload it to your Web site.

8. Start a Web browser and go to the page. Verify that the link is correct and that the chat works the way you want it to.

9. Invite a friend to 'test-drive' the chat with you before announcing it to your visitors.

Tips & Warnings

• The site should be geared toward the interests of your visitors. For example, a site called 4Chatroom offers chat rooms geared toward cars, teens or other personalized interests.
• Most free chat rooms are hosted by the site you signed up with, so their advertising or banners may appear on the top or side of the chat page.
• Be clear about the rules for chatting on the chat room entrance page. Users should be aware of the rules and consequences before they enter your chat room. Specify no swearing or no inappropriate materials in the rules, and warn that violators will be removed from the chat.
• Create an FAQ ' a page that lists frequently asked questions and answers, such as 'Why should I not type in ALL CAPS?' A: It is considered 'yelling' in a chat room. An FAQ will allow you to specify rules and give your visitors an example of good netiquette to follow.
• As the chat room host, you are responsible for what goes on in your chat room. If a chat site consistently receives complaints about your room or chatters disrupting them, the chat site may take action.
• Beware of people who use chat rooms to cause trouble. Make them aware there are serious consequences for their actions (i.e., reporting them to their ISP).