IC Chatbox

Hi all!

We're adding an IC chatbox at the bottom of the page! But we have a question? Is this chat something that is ACTUALLY happening at Hogwarts, or should we just make it a fun AU/character exercise? My thought is there could be little devices sold at Weasley's Wizard's Wheezes that connect everyone within a certain area, so students at Hogwarts could interact, so we would treat it like a chat room that our character's enter IC. OR it's just a fun little thing you do when bored that has no bearing.

But tell me what you think!

I say actually happening! Could feed the rumor mill

Vote in the poll!

Also please discuss here! I want to make sure everyone is happy with the results! There also may be some middle ground I haven't thought of!

I did vote for AU, but solely because I personally wouldn't use it if it were based on the site timeline. The problem is that, unlike Discord, the messages will get lost after a point, so if you're not around you'd miss the start of those rumors, or wouldn't be able to tag whoever is not online. It's the same reason I refuse to get involved with mass threads unless I absolutely have to. Too much to keep up with, too fast, and if something comes up that affects your character, you might never know it happened. And we all know I get concerned about my characters being brought into things I'm not aware of or wouldn't approve of based on their personalities/plotting.

I don't particularly care which it is, but those are the concerns on my end.

We also could totally keep it in discord if it makes it easier.

So far we seem to pretty neck and neck.

Here's a question - would it work IC as a plot device if it was only used as a chatbox? That means there are no actions or anything, just people typing in a group chat. If you stop responding it could be because your character had to run to class. And we could have a section in plot discussion where any major developments (this character called this character a name, someone accused someone of something) are listed? So if you see there's too much to catch up, you can check the thread and then post in the chatbox "so apparently someone things I dye my hair?!" or whatever.

Just a thought!

Making sure we have a thread so people can come back and make sure they knew major things being said would actually make it work. Because realistically how many people come into a chat and read back things they've missed? Not many.

Honestly, the IC chat would render the world that much more immersive, considering it would be identical to other outlets of High school/work rumor mills. if you miss something, then that's what it is. rumors will start about you wither you are privy to them or not.

I voted no, for similar reasons to Addie. I worry it would be too quick-paced to keep up with, and might be hard to get involved in things you weren't present for. However, I appreciate that it would inject some realism to the world of Hogwarts. I think it might work if it were kept to small, inter-personal plot developments (if something gets big enough, it would have to develop in a thread of some sort, or have a school bulletin board where updates are regularly posted for those not involved). I also see its potential as an easier alternative to mass threads, which provide good large-scale student plotting but can be high-pressure for those without much time on their hands. So it might be more appealing in that sense.