Someone making a journal post is probably going to behave a bit differently when interacted with in real-time. In the past, that was the purpose of IM programs to members of theOtaku – but even that was a bit of a hassle, as you probably only messaged people you were already friends with.

Chat took away that hassle but also that comfort zone, putting everyone together whether you knew them or not. The Otaku Lobby is not only the entrance of Chat, but the great melting pot. If you have nowhere to go, you probably stay there. If you’re new, you’re most likely feeling a bit overwhelmed and don’t quite feel like clicking on the buttons. Members new and old of all ages and time zones, familiar and not, are suddenly together, perhaps for the very first time.

It’s hard to describe what goes on in Chat. Sometimes, it’s a discussion on a video game, sometimes, it’s just random wacky antics, and other times, it is completely dead and devoid of much conversation. It takes effort to get the ball rolling, but also effort to jump in and participate. Likewise, shouting out that it’s too quiet or you’re bored aren’t going to help your chances of being well-received. Chat is a huge example of give-and-take, and you can’t expect it to maintain your interest the entire time you’re in there.

Chat also does some things that we can’t get out of a journal post, or even a one-on-one IM. It reveals how well people can communicate their thoughts, how well they can get their jokes out there, and honestly, how well we interact with others. But since it’s a give-and-take, it also reveals how well people can receive these interactions. It’s like a text version of “The Sims” – you don’t know how that other Sim is going to react until you get the reaction out of them. Same thing goes with members. Maybe one understands and likes your sarcasm, but another may be offended.

In that way, Chat is for some but not for all. One bad experience could turn you off from it forever. Likewise, good ones can have you coming back all the time.