Project: Google Hangouts
 

Project: How can we set up something so members can use Google Hangouts here with ease and consistency?

http://support.google.com/a/bin/topi...&topic=1658465

Looks like Hangouts would be nice for 10 member chats. I cannot see a way to set up a permanent channel, so I could place a link to it. Any ideas? We have been chatless for a long time, there must be some new, cool ways to set up chat channels what work.

Well, I believe the reason you don't see a way to make it permanent is because they don't want you too. Video chat takes quite a few more resources than IRC, so not seeing such things in the market makes technical and business sense.

If permanency is your goal, an IRC would be fine.

Alternatives would be having an account solely for keeping a channel up, or just using creating and collapsing the hangout as people want to be in it.

Ok, that makes sense.

Do we have any IRC gurus here?

I am by no means a guru, but I've found a use or two for this older technology from time time.

For the most part, IRC has a lot in common with Hangouts: both are free, both use rich text communication, and both expand and collapse rooms. However, if you need a permanent IRC room, where one person can control the admin features and delegate permissions, you're probably still going to pay for hosting services. Lucky for us, IRC is pretty cheap. Especially if the number of concurrent users isn't very high.

Just shop around and see what you think is reasonable, based on the number of users.

I've seen Mibbit used recently, but Google search may lead to better options.

GL & GH

Edit: Mibbit and others will probably have some free hosting options available.

Well, Paltalk has grown up a bit. They have a web base interface and phone app now making it easy to join. Plus you can setup a permanent room but it does have ads (free version). I still use the desktop client with little problems.

http://www.paltalk.com/

Thanks for the leads, I am looking into it. :up:

Any updates? It should be something pure web, so no client is needed :)

I miss Yahoo messenger night talks...

Yah, me too :ping: