How do I find my way around the general chat area?

The general chat area is open to all. Its an interesting place to catch a glance of people, but not really suited to coherent conversation.

For a general overview of what you will see and how it will look, please take a look at our visual overview of chat area.

Read on for an introduction to what you will see in the general chat area and how it works.

Say what?
The top half of the chat area is the conversation panel - this is where you can see what everyone is saying. This is automatically updated every few seconds, or immediately after you say something.

You can select the usernames listed next to conversation lines to view the member profiles.

And you are?
Below the conversation panel and to the right is the legend panel. This lists those people currently active in the general chat area, that is people who are viewing the general chat area and have said something since they last entered.

A link to the respective profile is present for each username listed.

The list of chatters is also updated every few seconds, or whenever you might say something. New chatters are added to the bottom of the list and when someone leaves the general chat room to go elsewhere their username is removed from the list.

Hear my voice!
Below the conversation panel and to the left is a box into which you can enter what you want to say. Select the Send button to add your bit to the conversation.

If you're having any problem with any aspect of the chat area, please take a look at our chat troubleshooter for answers to common problems and pitfalls.