You're welcome to congregate in the chat room anytime, but you're most likely to find a crowd here around 9 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. Pacific. Currently it's 16:40 Eastern U.S. time.
Also, guitarists will want to be here Sundays at 3 p.m. Eastern / Noon Pacific time for an informal guitar chat.
Tips For Chatting
You'll be asked for a nickname, which can be anything you like. You can also choose a text color, which you'll find is a great help in a crowded chat. Click on "Remember Settings" and you won't have to type in your name or choose a color next time you chat.
Once you've logged in, type your message in the box at the bottom and hit enter or click "Update" to send.
The messages window will update every five seconds or so (faster if you click on "Update").
If the messages suddenly disappear and don't come back for five seconds or so, just click on "Update." That should set things right.
Click "surf" at the top to visit the rest of the site in a separate window while you chat.
Choose "radio 1" for a RealAudio JT-themed mix while you chat or "radio 2" for a more general mix.
If you're having problems and you're using any web browser older than Netscape 3 or Internet Explorer 4 then upgrading will most likely fix things.
When you're finished, click the "Logoff" button to sign-off.
Private Messages
To send a private message select the recipient from the list on the left, then enter your message normally. It will only be seen by that person.
If you receive a private message you'll get a notification in the main message window. The private message itself will appear just above the box where you enter your messages the next time you click on "Update" or press enter.
Private Rooms
To create a private room, first make sure you're logged onto the main chat, then click on "Create Private Room." A new browser window will open. Make up a room name, select the people from the main room you'd like to invite, then click on "Create Room." You'll need to log on again, then you can chat in the main room and your private room simultaneously or log off the main room if you like.
Invitations to a private room appear in the bottom frame where private messages normally appear. Clicking on the link will take you to the private room. Log on and chat normally.
