As Friday’s post demonstrated, there is a real feeling of community to many of the regular users of traffic exchanges.
Traffic exchanges are far more than just online advertising arenas – they have their own personalities, driven by the owners and users, and it is this which makes them unique.
It was, therefore, interesting the other day when the subject of merging the chat functions of the four TimTech traffic exchanges was raised.
The idea, as I understand it, would involve Sweeva, ThumbVu, I Love Hits and StartXchange all sharing the same chatroom so that no matter which exchange you happened to be in, you would be part of the same conversation.
I suppose it is not technically too difficult to organize such a thing. I am sure Tim Tech’s new hi-tech, super-server, Star Trek-inspired, water-cooled, cluster array thingy would allow such integration without so much as a momentary flicker of disapproval.
And I am guessing that it would send a message out that the four sites are all part of the one big TimTech umbrella so that the overall sense of a surfing community is reinforced.
So, why then, do I absolutely hate the idea?
Well…here’s why.
I strongly believe that each of the four exchanges, notwithstanding that they are owned by the same organization, have their own personalities and this is reflected in each of their unique chatrooms.
Yes it is true that often the same people will surf each of the exchanges, often surfing all four at the same time, but that does not mean that they would appreciate a kind of homogenized, one-size-fits-all, take-it-or-leave-it chat function.
I think a lot of people have their favorite sites. And even within these favorites some people feel more comfortable chatting in some sites than they do in others.
Nerd Surfing brings all four sites together very nicely and very well indeed.
Chat is unique and individual to each site and it is my view that this is exactly how it should say.
From my personal view I prefer the ILH chat, followed by Sweeva and SX with ThumbVu perhaps needing some attention to make it more user-friendly.
Although far from scientific, and really only just a snap-shot of one moment in time, the following question was asked in a TELive poll recently:
The results were as follows:
ILH = 20 votes.
STX = 9 votes
Sweeva = 2 votes
ThumbVu = 0 votes.
But what do you think?
Feel free to let me know in a comment below.
If you have not experienced the chat functions of these four great sites then click the links below where you can sign up for free.
Twitter: clutchtool
Good topic Patrick,
Not sure about having the all in one chat, the LMFTE sites (not sure if those initials are correct, not even sure what they stand for) have this function and it is fine at times but if it gets busy at times it can be hard to keep up with the conversation.
The thing i do like about it is that in their chat you can build your profile with who you are and what you promote and people can click on your username while in chat and see what each other are all about without trying to explain or spam each other in chat.
You also have a wider audience to create relationships with.
The thing i have noticed as an observer or as a slurker in the chatrooms is that i think new people joining the TE’s see the same people chatting day after day and they are often seen as an exclusive club or clique. I have seen many times people being ignored when they chime into chat because the group are to involved in their on chit chat, and i know most of this is unintentional but the results are the same, people get turned off.
I think one big chatroom may make people more comfortable and eager to join in.
I didn’t vote in your poll, i would have voted for Thumbvu’s chat a few months ago but it seems to be a desserted ghostown from what it once was, the chat is primarily a list of the latest Thumbvu Masters, with the ocassional desperado stopping by for a drink as he is passing through. I have heard comments that the previous thumbvu chatters were a negative bunch of hooligans, not sure what they were pertaining to but i’m sure at times it did get negative, so what, such is life, there has to be a healthy balance, the rollercoaster ride would be pretty boring with just the “up” part of the ride. You need the down part with all the twist and turns to make it interesting.
One feature i always liked about the Thumbvu chat was that you could scroll down to about a days worth of chat so if you missed a day of surfing you could at least catch up on that days conversation. Well thats gone now, but then again it’s not needed because there is nothing to see, except the occaisional tumbleweed.
Well that’s my 2cents worth of negative smartassness today….. now for my positive meditation….OOOOHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMM……AAAWWWWEEEEESOOOOMMMMEEE….. SAAAUUUUUCCCCCEEEEEE
fellow hooligan
JPB
Twitter: chattopatrick
Hi Fellow Hooligan,
LFMTE. Yes the initials are not only correct but you have also got them in the correct order.
I think, and I stand to be corrected, that they stand for Login Frequency Marketing Traffic Exchange.
I have not been using TEs as much of late but am trying to get back into the habit of at least doing some surfing every day and I agree with what you say regarding new members.
If I see someone who says they are new then I make a point of saying “hi” otherwise they may well not feel welcome and be reluctant to contribute to the chat community, which would be a pity.
Re ThumbVu – I must agree with you again here. I loved the ThumbVu chat and the fact that you could go back and check out a day’s worth of conversations because many of the conversations were both interesting and, at times, controversial.
Not so now but I am sure it will build back up again once TimTech asserts their authority on it.
I think my problem is that ThumbVu reflected so much of the personality of its previous owner that, for me, it is simply not the same once he has gone.
Right now it is Qzon’s old site without Qzon.
To paraphrase X Factor judges “TimTech need to make ThumnbVu their own.” They will. But they are not there yet.
P.
Twitter: hotflashhits
I can relate to what John says about feeling like you are intruding on a conversation. That is, kind of, how I felt when I first began chatting. As a matter of fact, when I first started surfing, I would close the chat option. Then, one day, I decided to try to chime in. Don’t remember what the topic was at the time but the members at StartXchange made me feel right at home and I have been chatting ever since.
I, personally, met quite a few good friends in the StartX chat. This could be the reason it is near and dear to my heart. But, I enjoy chatting anywhere there is a good conversation.
Our exchange has the LFMTE script with the multiple exchange chat room. You can usually easily get a conversation going by just saying Hi. At times, it can be confusing. You are chatting with members and you have NO IDEA which exchange they are surfing, at the time. But, all and all I enjoy this chat room the most these days, especially when my friends drop by.
Twitter: chattopatrick
It is true but it does take a bit of courage to post that first “Hi I’m new here” message but TE people are generally a really friendly lot and also very welcoming.
Although I favor the one exchange one chat model, I am in favor of all social chat in TEs because being social works and is to be encouraged.
P.
Twitter: andrewstark
I spend most time at sweeva due to the 10 a day, and the only good thing I’ve noticed is that Brenda B points out when it’s TElive time.
A lot of the time chat gets ignored, but using it push bigger events is a probably what it’s best for. Also the more experienced surfers should be using it to start conversations rather than just asuming someone new will speak.
If every reader of this blog asked a positive question next time they were surfing I’m sure you’d notice the differences in the sites – even although most people are nerd surfing all 4 the newbies may not.
Andrew
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Twitter: chattopatrick
Andrew. I agree!
I too have noticed that Sweeva chat has been a little slow of late and I am not sure why that should be.
And asking a question is a great way to encourage chat in a TE (as indeed it is a good way to start a conversation anywhere else too).
I wish more people would do so.
Even with nerd surfing there is no reason that people can’t that. You don’t have to constantly surf each TE to gain the extra points. Stopping to chat while you move through the sites is perfectly acceptable and won’t stop you getting the nerd surfing bonus.
P.
Hi Patrick
I am a die hard STX chatter we actually talk about life in there. I mean really who’da thunk it. We know when people are going through tough times & good times. We are not real big on people wanting to push “products” in the chat We are not intimidated by Tim stepping into the room. We are a extended family to each other there & we welcome anyone with open arms. I have personally met 5 people I have chatted with at STX If the other chats were more like that then maybe i would agree to merge the chats
Twitter: chattopatrick
Hmmm. That sounds like the sort of TE chat room which appeals to me.
Twitter: timlinden
You are 100% correct.. The groups are different, and I like it that way. It also helps when someone asks a question, you know which exchange they are using. If someone asks how to add a website, and all 4 were combined, you’d have to figure out where they are surfing first.. Confusing!
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Twitter: chattopatrick
That is very true. Also I know now that “caps lock wednesday” only applies to your own blog and not to comments you make on other blogs on a Wednesday…phew.
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