Chat functionality
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One feature of the site I'm really interested in offering is the ability for people to live chat. I think it adds a nice dimension to build cameraderie in real time. It certainly isn't a requirement from the go, but is on my "must have" list for down the road.
Hit that on my final list today and started looking through options. It's a near-perfect example of how adaptable and yet frustrating Drupal (and any complex CMS, really) can be to work with.
As is the norm, I started my research at drupalmodules.com. Changed the filter to 7.x and typed 'chat' in the body field. As is the normal response, I had many hits. Most of them really weren't what I was looking for, but between that and a few Google searches I found 4 options:
A bit more research showed the following:
- Chat roll - Free and currently supported
- Drupal chat - Free, but still in beta
- Chat room - Free and currently supported
- Comet chat - Retail module
Well, I'm not looking to pay more money or use something in beta when mature products are out there. So we have two options: chat roll and chat room.
In a moment of insight, I look to see what is installed: chat room. Great, I have something already installed and updated and ready to enable. Check module and GO!
Except it's rarely that easy. Looking through the read me, I find an instructionl to enable Nodejs integration and can't find the switch. Since the module isn't necessary for launch, I'm using this post as notes of a sort and moving on. Only 11 more things on the list I'd like to get done today. I'll update on this topic when I finally move towards a conclusion.