Is there any value to having a chat room bolted on here?

[motorfirebox]

Regarding feasibility, it would be pretty simple. There are a number of javascript chat clients that can simply be slapped into the main template.

[anonamatic]

It is possible to do group chat on Facebook. Some sort of independent chat might be better suited to the site however. There's some value associated with pseudo-anonymity, as what ends up mattering is what people say when you can't tell if they answer to Fido irl.

[Stan]

Jon,
I see no functional benefit and often think people need time to cool off before spewing. PM gets the job done and permits a little time between time zones

I vote no.

[Steve Blair]

Concur with Stan's reasoning. Chat clients are interesting, of course, but having that "cooling off" period that comes from composing a PM or even refreshing posts can be worthwhile. Also, some places specifically block chat clients. Adding one here might unintentionally limit access.

[Entropy]

I agree with Stan, though I think chat functionality could be useful for virtual meetings, conferences and the like. In other words, chat (or even voice comms) could be great for for virtual events but as a 24/7 function I think it's counterproductive. I know that I wouldn't participate unless it was for an event or some other explicit purpose.

[Rex Brynen]

I worry the whole thing would unmask me not as the Canadian academic you think I am, but rather as a lesbian Syrian blogger.

[Stan]

Rex,
Having met you, broke bread together, and several beers later... you are a perfect example of a normal male

[Steve Blair]

I worry the whole thing would unmask me not as the Canadian academic you think I am, but rather as a lesbian Syrian blogger.

You mean you're not? But....Stan said....