IMHO chat rooms in general (not just the PPRuNe chat rooms) are simply another internet information resource. To be honest comparing the PPRuNe chatroom to going down the pub a little silly (sorry FuFu). As FFF pointed out, it is very unusual to go into a pub on ones own without much chance of meeting friends. If I go to the pub its to get p!ssed, have a laugh, and generally forget about ATPL exams (anyone who has been on a private flying bash will verify this). There is very little chance that I will bump into a senior airline pilot, or anyone even remotely involved in aviation in my local pub.
On the other hand, if I have a spare half hour (rare) I might log onto chat, I might have the chance to talk to a senior airline pilot, other PPL's, or even some of the people from bashes who I consider mates now. I can't do this at the pub! Another thing that must be realised is that as much as we all love aviation, if you talk about it all the time it becomes BORING. In general human beings are fairly simple creatures, get a crowd of them together and usually it won't be long before conversation degenerates to the sex and alcohol level. Ideally we need to reach the middle ground, where there is some intelligent conversation, but people are not scared to have a laugh. I would suspect that if (theoretically) you stayed in the room for 24 hours that is exactly what you get, unfortunately if you log in during a smutty conversation, thats the impression you get, and if you don't like it you log out.
I am a little sad that certain members of this forum have labelled other Pruners as 'boring sad people, who need to get out more'. That is insulting to anyone who has logged on to the chat server.
If you don't like chat there are three things you can do;
1. Dont use it, accept its not for you, but dont criticise it, or the people who enjoy it.
2. If you do like chat, but not PPRuNe chat, download MIRc and log into undernet/newnet etc etc - there are tens of thousands of chatrooms, and I'm sure there will be somthing of interest.
3. Have a word with Danny, or whoever makes these decisions, about starting a 'sensible' (for want of a better word) room. Start a thread on the appropriate forum, giving a time where such like minded people can log on and be guaranteed stimulating conversation.
Personally, I would split my time between the pub, the existing rooms, and the 'sensible' room depending on my mood. The sad people can then be guaged by those who prefer one such option to the total exclusion of the others.
Iain
Last edited by iainpoll; 6th January 2003 at 13:41.