Sadly that web chat used up one hell of a lot of resources and I haven't found any better alternatives.

It probably wouldn't have used up so many resources if people hadn't been spamming hundreds of rickroll gif images on it.

It was CPU resources, because it was PHP and MySQL based.

Andy, how do you access the IRC channel for BetaArchive? I was wondering if there was one on the home page but I couldn't find it. Thanks.

There is no public and easy way or link to get to the IRC. Conquer that problem then I may rethink whether I bother.

With a IRC webclient, use something client side like the two I suggested. So it's java, better than nothing.

The IRC really needs a link in the website navigation. That page should have a "Click here to Join" which takes you a Java IRC Client (such as PJIRC) which is on a new page and underneath, a box for experienced IRC users with the Server details. The server needs Services aswell for nickname and channel registration to help keep it moderatable. You should add to the IRC MOTD that people can create channels for their own computer and tech related groups and the command for nick registration.

I agree with Andy about not outsourcing the Channel, even tough it's only small, it makes moderation and stability easier.

Server Details:
URL: irc.betaarchive.com
Port 6667 (Default)
Channel: #BetaArchive

Pardon the negativity from this corner, but extremely unlikely to happen, see comment one, services probably will not happen, Andy does not want multiple channels on the server, see comment three.

Summing up your point of view.

I didn't see anyone say that multiple channels aren't wanted. Or services being unlikely for that matter. You said unlikely, which means it can happen.

I think that if we make it easier for people to find the channel and server, people will join it.

I based that last comment on what has been discussed before. Andy wanted a one-channel only chat server. His call not mine. I see nothing changing, I provide genuine and constructive suggestions, it gets thrown out. I've nearly had enough.

Without being horrible Matt, all you've really given to this topic is negativity. I'll set up IRC again the way we used to have it before we used UnrealIRCD. That has services built in and worked just fine when configured properly. If you're getting angry/annoyed then don't reply to the topic, easy.

The reason I want a single channel is because that's the whole point of having the IRC, otherwise you can go and use your favourite IM of choice.

The old IRC actually had multiple channels - I remember #longhorn, for one thing. So it wasn't actually single channel.

It was an unofficial channel that shouldn't have actually been there then, since it was supposed to be locked to one channel.

Not sure what the point of maintaining your own IRC network is, then...
but alright, I see you have a plan and that's that - fair enough. I get that way myself sometimes.

I give up arguing since your mind is set. Not that you rarely set foot upon the channel as it was (that wasn't a criticism, it was a plain fact).

If you really want this to be an 'official' means of communication with this site, rather than some naff sidekick, I will forget the above two incarnations and will consider making an effort. If it's just going to stay as is for the last two times, then I don't need my crystal ball to predict what's going to eventually succumb.

Nobody asked you to help out last time, you offered to take on the task.

I did, but if I'm not going to get help from the main site then it's never going to work well.