[Symon]

* cleaned up the thread*

Chatboxs can harm your forums in  many ways they are a magnet for trolls and spam and also the forum itself may suffer due to lack of posts being made.
No one will join a site where all the talk is in the chat box they might as well go to yahoo chat. But if you still require one then please read on.

There are many free Chat boxes on the market just do a google search for free chat box.

There are some good and bad ones personally i would prefer to goto one that has a good support forum.

A list of the most used shoutboxes

http://www.myshoutbox.com/
http://shoutbox.sourceforge.net/
http://www.ukchatterbox.co.uk/


There are of course a few more minor ones out there that offer little or no support at all, and some are even it would seem run by children.

What you have to remember is that some chat boxes do not like to be put in a forum description so it is best to add them to the forum footer read more on forum footer Here

Also you will have to allow html tags in your profile and forum config read more HERE Forum config and HERE Profile Settings

Edited By Symon

Yell removed to many popups

Chatter fobble removed site warning

[CodyT07]

NEVER USE YELLBOX, i just visited a site with one and hell i got tackled with pop ups and spyware. Also its one of those pop ups that in the AOL client auto makes your printer print the advert when you click "X" . NEVER USE IT.

[Andrew(AP)]

well you just saved me cuz i was jsut about to use it

[Nick(NR)]

[Houndoom<3]

that would be cool if admin could make like an official mff plug in shout box. like one that uses your registered user name. instead of typing a random name every time. and only members can use it. amazing if in configuration all in said was shoutbox: on or off

[CodyT07]

why not create a sticky thread named "shout thread" and all your answers will be solved almost. As Symon says shoutboxes can kill your forum.

[Nick(NR)]

[Houndoom<3]

i'm into magic, and i know one of the first rules of it is never tell how you did your tricks, but we were friends in the day, before you were modded. hook me up

[Nick(NR)]

[Houndoom<3]

cool. i'm gonna join that forum so i can check this thing out

[Houndoom<3]

it's better then normal. but i'm looking for a code where you cant change your name. it automatically uses your forum name only and if you click the persons name it will bring you to their profile

basically this one http://www.hpisavageforum.com/forums/index.php but they arent phpbb. xjeepguy there said he could give me the code for that one and try to alter it but i'm not that good

[Nick(NR)]

[45ish]

[souless]

Hi, im new so im sorry if this is wrong or whatever, im only 13.
Most of what you guys are saying is going over my head, could someone tell me how exactly i can put a shoutbox on my page?? I know thats a pain, but i really need a step by step dumbass guide.
Thanks
www.soulesssims.myfastforum.org

[Viper]

It is simple. Copy and paste the code you are given by the chatbox service.

You need to paste the code into your forum footer (Go to the control panel), in a forum description (forum management - admin panel) or by editing the template and putting it in overall_header.tpl

[souless]

Thanks, it suddenly occured to me where i had to put it. I was looking in the admin panel *hits self on head*

[emuman]

Is there a good chat box out there. I use http://www.coolwebtoys.com and would of kept using it but I lost my pass and the emails arent coming. http://romansiege.myfreeforum.org The chat box actually stopped useless posts on my forum but now the chat box is getting spammed. I dont really mind though as its just for chatting and I get new ones for meetings.

[sumatra]

Well I just tried Yell box and the dingbat asked me to pay

[CodyT07]

I believe Yellbox and Flooble should be removed from that list.
As Yell- Spyware and an insane amount of pop ups

And flooble - Browser Exploits!
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/flooble.com

[Nick(NR)]

[Brandon7]

[CodyT07]

When you sign up it should give you a code, and you put the code in your forum's footer.

[Symon]

[jacquieh]

What do you think of this style of chatbox that can be used by any website without making changes to it? Just type in the following in your browser address bar:

http://www.gabbly.com/http://&quo...ofyourforum".myfreeforum.org

You get a chat box on the right hand side that you can dock onto the main window if you want.

[Win Hand]

Confused?? How do you get it to show up. All i get is the code, no chat box.
And how can I show you the image?[/img]

[jacquieh]

Were you asking about gabbly? If so to get your forum to get a chat box instantly with no changes to your forum template just type

http://www.gabbly.com/http://3dmodeltalk.myfastforum.org into your browser address bar.

I just tried it and it works.

[carnivorouspanda]

I use a cbox for my forum. It was just inserted on my footer it is made of html, so the code can be shifted and configered by you to ajust it to fit your forum. Also, they come in different styles and they are also free. I never really tried to get any other type of chat box on my forum, as this one fit all my needs. check it out, look at the one on the footer of Chosensouls.myfreeforum.org , or go to the cbox main site. (I think) the address is www.cbox.com , though I'm not 100% sure, and im too lazy to find out right now Though if some mericle this is not the site, I simple google or yahoo search can certainly find it.

[Rez]

Hi, I hate to have to ask but I've done as much research as I can... I've created the editor account, given myself admin rights and copied the code for my new chatbox (from www.cbox.ws) into the footer file in the template editor...

the provblem i'm getting is loads of odd text being displayed at various locations on my forum www.virtualdam.myfreeforum.org ... screenshot below as code now removed.



my question to those that know is... can this problem be rectified and can a shoutbox be displayed under my last catagory and in a similar layout to the main index page... kinda like this :



I've read here that some have made a sucess of using a shoutbox... any help is greatly appreciated.

Peace
Rez

[admin (no pm's please)]

Looks to me like this chat box requires "php" code to run. That simply will not work on any free forums system.

[Rez]

ok, thanks for the speedy reply... i can use that code in the froum description but it's just so much cleaner looking when attached to the main index.

anybody other sucessfull chat/shoutbox user have any suggestions ?

Peace
Rez

[Tank0]

heres my code for my spambox portal .
we use it for somewhat instant messaging between forumusers who run into eachother on the forums avoiding dialogthreads between bored gamers

register with shoutbox.com

copy the code

in your profile options

add

[SPAMBOX]

this will create a empty cms_spambox.tpl in your portal template files

select it and press submit


### right side portal ###

paste the code between the lines in cms_spambox.tpl .

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<table width="175" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1" border="0" class="forumline" align="center">

<tr>
<th class="thTop">SPAM BOX</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td class="row2" align="center">
<iframe src="http://XXXXXX.myshoutbox.com" width="175" height="400" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" style="border-style:inset;">
</iframe>
</td>
</tr>

</table>

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

!!! please replace XXXXXX with the account number shoutbox gave you . if your url is by example 123456.myshoutbox.com enter 123456 !!!


in overall_footer.tpl ( if you want a right side portal )

find
<div align="center"><span class="copyright"><br>{ADMIN_LINK}<br>

add above
{MYFF.SPAMBOX}<br>

example
{MYFF.SPAMBOX}<br>
<div align="center"><span class="copyright"><br>{ADMIN_LINK}<br>




### below main forum view ###



paste the code between the lines in cms_spambox.tpl .

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<table width="100%" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1" border="0" class="forumline" align="center">

<tr>
<th class="thTop">SPAM BOX</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td class="row2" align="center">
<iframe src="http://XXXXXX.myshoutbox.com" width="95%" height="200" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" style="border-style:inset;">
</iframe>
</td>
</tr>

</table>

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

!!! please replace XXXXXX with the account number shoutbox gave you . if your url is by example 123456.myshoutbox.com enter 123456 !!!

in index_body.tpl ( if you want it below )

find

</td>
</table>

below at the end of the file

add above
{MYFF.SPAMBOX}<br>

example
{MYFF.SPAMBOX}<br>
</td>
</table>

[Rez]

excellent information, many thanks... i'l print that off and have a play around once i've woken up a little... Cheers...

[Rez]

[Rez]

again, many thanks for your input... i'm new here and trying to get my head around so many more features... cheers

[Rez]

well... having had some time to play around... i have it looking and situated where i want it... many many thanks... all i have to to now is fine tune some colour issues...

peace
Rez



Click to see full size image

[Symon]

It is still in my opinion that any forum of chatbox will ruin a forum a forum does not need them and will distract members form doing what they are meant to be doing and that is adding to the forum by posting messages to the forum.

[Stick Boy]

[admin (no pm's please)]

[Rez]

it just goes to show how as admins we all have differing points of view on the use of the chat/shot box...

My forum is catagorised and each forum is filling up with valuable information for each member... some of those that have come online to see whats new on the forum generally add to those conversations acordingly and if they see somebody else online at the same time they might have some chit chat - we don't have a chit chat forum... and i don't want one... it's nice to be able to say hi and how's your day going to somebody who may just be getting up when i'm just arriving from work,,, it works really well for me and my global members

[Blacksmith]

it can work for some sites, things like saying hi, and saying things which may be importent but dont need a whole thread for it, its importent not to put one in a very social forum, but if its more technical or gererally more non-social then it can work.

[Wills]

A few months back I added a Shout Box http://www.myshoutbox.com/features/index_US.shtml
& then a month later a chat room http://www.addonchat.com/features.html

Both of the above are good options if you are going down this road.
The jury is out on the chat room, its only really used when we have tournaments on, or we call a meeting of the Mods.
But the Shout Box is a really useful tool, We use it to shout important stuff at members & members use it to ask questions or directions.

Generally I believe that if you have good content in your forums then users will use it.
If you have nothing of interest then focus may shift across to the Chat Room & Shout Box.

So you really need to focus on the forum boards, your content & your members. Once you have a lot of activity you may want to put up a shout box first, just to see the reaction. But always keep your boards as your main priority, keep them fresh & inviting, with lots of new relevant topics.

95% of your focus should be aimed at building a good community spirit

[Danny M]

Is It Possible To Add A Chat Box Into A Portal On My Forum

[mazx]

[kylonigsds]

Hi, i need a real basic set of instructions to set up a shoutbox on my site, a definate a,b,c, of how to do it and the shoutbox that you recommend i use on the site..

many thanks Tony

http://gsdsrus.myfanforum.org/index.php this is the site where i want to add the shoutbox, also can it be a header rather than a footer ?

[Lavathing9]

Yes, to put it into the header simply copy the HTML the chatbox provider gives you, then log into your forum. Go to the Administration Panel. Then Go to Edit Templates. Go to your defualt template.

CREATE AN EDITOR USER BEFORE DOING THIS!

Go to overall_header.tpl then scroll all the way to the bottom, then paste the code in. Submit. then it should appear.

That is about as simple as it gets.

[kylonigsds]

Hi and thanks for the speedy reply,

Sorry for sounding thick, but which edit template is it, the one in webpages, or styles and how do i create an Editor User ?

i did say simple, and i cant see where it says default template in either of them...

where will this overall_header text appear, how do i get to that..

sorry again but i am an absolute beginner at this and i hold my hand up high....

[Lavathing9]

Well that was simple. For example. To create the editor user....go to the index, click register, then put the name as "editor". Then you will be editing the styles because you are not working with your webpage.

Here, I will go as simpl as I possibly can:

Go onto your Administration Panel. Go down to Style's Admin. Click Edit Templates/Logos. Go to your defualt template. You defualt template would be the one you are using now. You should know what your defualt template is since you have custom template on, not the regular Silver one. Go go to "myfs_[your forum][1,2,3, or 4]". The 1,2,3, or 4 refers to which one you used to make your defualt. I am assuming you are on myfs_[yourforum]1, because you said you are new. Go under the defualt one. Go to "Choose Forum template/javascript/css File to Edit", then use the dropdown bar to go to "overall_header.tpl". Submit. Then scroll all the way to the bottom of all the text. Then paste in the HTML your chatbox provider gave you. Submit. Then you are done.

I hope that is better.

[kylonigsds]

fantastic, thats exactly what i was looking for, i will give it a try and much appreciated..

[Lavathing9]

Ok, glad I could help. If you need anymore help feel free to post in the General Support section.

[Pudding]

[Brandon]

the features spoken about in that post are now located in your administration panel.

[Nick(NR)]

[Symon]

Have deleted that post so no more confusions i hope.

[windsor007]

is there a shoutbox that enables only people that have signed up to your forum to use the shoutbox?

[Nick(NR)]

[windsor007]

cheers mate!!

[xXx BR3W3R xXx]

My shout box has admin control its pretty cool. i will give a link if you someone wants it.

[windsor007]

go on then please

[Rez]

[Nick(NR)]

To save people waiting for IGT, his shoutbox is by: http://www.freeshoutbox.net/

it does have admin, but it also has adverts, so it is your call.

[Rez]

[dravion]

hey i have a question, i have gotten the embeded code for my instant msg'r/ chat box. I would like to place this in one of my topics, and i am using the new post box like this one.  Every time i post it, it shows up as this:

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js?appId=81f5db1c-e26f-4cab-b05f-3ca33179f2ea"></script><noscript>Get the Chat on MSN, YAHOO, AIM with eBuddy widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox!</noscript>

which is the code, and i have tried it in html panel, and flash, and movie. Also i have "*" in the admin panel for html tags, so all are on.

can someone please help me?

Dravion's Site

[Vintage1998]

does anyone no the code for shoutbox cause i need one.

[Symon]

If you had read the first post you would see

http://www.myshoutbox.com/

[Joldskool]

After loads of tweeking    ive managed to incorporate the shoutbox into my main board.... my problem now is I would like to delete the TOPICS/POSTS/LAST POSTS part.......please could anyone advise asap???? Massive thankyou in advance  

www.backinthedayz.myfastforum.org

[rc_girl]

We have used a shoutbox in the past, but vere away from this at this time, it's nice at times, and our members use it, but not frequently. We have the first one symon posted, myshoutbox. It was set to private, so members had to be given access and being able to delete what was said through the site at the shoutbox. It was nice, we added a chat room, a lil bit active, but not loads. Not sure if we are going to implement one this time around on our new forum or not. A new old forum. We are moving.  

[ramy]

1. i can only put the shout box in the footer??
2. i tryed to put HTML in the forum and it didnt work why?

please can someone help me .. thanks alot

[admin (no pm's please)]

1. You must give the (myfree/myfast/myfine)forum.org link to your forum. A link should be given to the problem if at all possible. Do this whether you think it is important or not.
  2. Search on the forum and on howtodoit for your problem before posting. 90% of the posts we get have easily found answers if you search on a couple of key words from your post. If this is not the case report the keywords you searched on and we will make sure search works for the next person to try the same search terms. Each time someone doesn't bother to use the search, questions accumulate in the forum making it harder for people to actually find answers! as people searching will end up finding the question and not the answer.
  3. Keep it to one support question per thread, if you have another question start a new topic. This will help others using "search" to find answers.

[K]