The chat is easily the single most polarizing feature of the site. Some readers absolutely love it, while others despise it all together. I have a long held belief that the overall value and merit of the chat is what the user community makes of it. When the conversation is positive and constructive, it's an incredible tool with huge value to everyone. However, when it's used to spread negativity in an nonconstructive manner, it can cause more harm than good.
We have always been in a state of evaluation with it, looking for alternatives and other ways of implementing it to balance the good and the bad. We have actually received several requests to remove the chat altogether, and simply wanted to remove it for a day to see what how it goes while we spend the time and energy usually spent keeping an eye on the chat during busy times on researching alternatives.
For now, the chat is back. We feel very strongly that one of the strengths of Darke Journal is the interaction and involvement of our community, both online and out in the real world of Darke County and beyond. We feel it's important to be able to have this as a line of communication for people to discuss what is on their mind, but here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Debate and disagreement is 100% ok and encouraged, but being a jerk is not acceptable.
- Personal attacks are NEVER ok and will not be tolerated, which can include a prohibition on using private citizens names.
- I can't believe I hate to say this, but racism, bigotry and sexism also have NO place on the chat and will not be tolerated.
The chat is back, ladies and gentlemen, go give it a hug and tell it how much you missed it.
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