[open-cobol-list] Add 1 Chat from Web down and Why...

[Joseph James Frantz (Aoirthoir)]

Our chat channel on Freenode (#add1tocobol) has for some time used a web based interface for those that do not want to get yet another chat client. (Though I recommend Pidgin as it is the one Chat Client to rule them all...) The locations of our web based interface to freenode were (are) at:

http://www.add1tocobol.com/chat.php
http://www.add1tocobol.com/chat.html

These web based interfaces to IRC were graciously provided by http://www.mibbit.com and unfortunately Freenode has blocked all access to mibbit. The most is explaining it is here: http://blog.freenode.net/2009/06/new-freenode-webchat-and-why-to-use-it/ .

While we understand that any chat network has the right to determine who can and cannot access their network, this interruption has caused us at the Add 1 to Cobol team a bit of stress, as a great many persons had been accessing our channel through mibbit. Rather than trying to dissuade freenode from this course we've decided to test the waters and explore other options. We're looking for feedback from the OpenCobol and the Add 1 to Cobol communities for the best path to move forward. Any suggestions anyone has would be appreciated. 

Some considerations we want to keep in mind are:

1. The chat system we choose should have a web based interface for those that do not want to install an IM client.
2. IRC is preferred for its openness.
3. Those that would be in charge of this (me) have zero experience installing an IRCd and would prefer to just pay a turnkey service provider.
4. Minimal number of servers is preferred to eliminate netsplits.
5. The single contrary to an IRC server would be an option for voice chat, via a client and a web based interface.

We're looking to moving these things forward as soon as possible because we are planning to restart regular OpenCobol and Add 1 to Cobol meetings in September. So any suggestions are sought as rapidly as folks are able to give them.

I apologize for not dealing with this earlier, until tonight I did not realize that Freenode had permanently removed Mibbit.com, and had though it was only a temporary issue. So I thank all of you for your understanding.

Kind Regards
-- 
Joseph James Frantz
(Aoirthoir)

http://www.add1tocobol.com
Regular add1tocobol meetings:
Where: FREENODE IRC
Channel: #add1tocobol
Access from the web: http://www.add1tocobol.com/chat.php
Date: Sundays
Time: 9:00am Eastern

::::::::NOTE IMPORTANT::::::::::
There has been some confusion as to the time. I believe this is because the United States uses Daylight Savings Time. On top of this the Government recently extended the dates that EDT (eastern daylight time) would run. So to be sure that you make it at 9am Eastern, I have this link:

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=179

That shows the time in New York City at the moment of viewing. It also explains the current UTC offset for the Eastern Zone in the United States. Simply compare the current time that site states, with your current time and you will know how far off we are from you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

We're there all of the time, even when we do not have a meeting. Stop on by for Open Cobol Support and chat.