I'd like to suggest having a chat room alternative. From 1:30am to around 6am, I wasn't able to get into AIM's 'alaskanano' or any chat room for that matter. Just the same, recently ModernEclectic started to have the same problem and is unable to get back in to 'alaskanano'. The alternative is using IRC. I do know that I mentioned it a couple times so far. There is a web based Java IRC on this website. I've used that several times for each year that I've participated including this one.
I personally don't know too many IRC programs to use, but the one I do use for Windows is mIRC and for Apple, Colloquy. I guess I could also provide instructions on how to get into the same chat. I currently have my mIRC set up to join on Nano's IRC, this way if no one's on, at least I could enter the nanowrimo chat room.
mIRC -
I can't remember what the screen shows for when you first download mIRC and use it. However, to get into the same server that nano uses is go to Tools -> Options -> Connect (To set your nickname as well as alternative) -> Servers
At the Servers portion, you click Add, Description could be Nano or whatever you shall call it with the server set to irc.goodchatting.com. After that, it's as simple as typing /join #nanowrimo for Nanowrimo.org's chatroom, or you can type /join #channelname for whatever else.
Colloquy -
It's relatively the same as the above, but in a way it's simpler. After using the application, click New and enter in all the information listed above.
This way, any problems that arises from using AIM, people can have an alternative as well as enter in NaNoWriMo's chatroom that they have on IRC for more word wars if they want to. Changing a nickname is usually done by typing in /nick Name. Obviously, just replace Name with whatever you want to be known by. This is actually the what happens when AIM is messing up for me or when no one is in alaskanano. I'd get on IRC and go to #nanowrimo
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Bide your time, and hold out hope.
27,993 / 50,000
Nov 1, 2009 - 19 43
I'll check it out...I'm having some trouble with my AIM client so that's a good alternative.
----------http://www.twitter.com/tallswedishguy
http://2talltales.blogspot.com
Nanowrimo 2005 Winner - "Valley of the Dead"
14,255 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 01 43
Once again, way easier than IRC is ICQ.
Go online and check it out.
----------Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
—John Steinbeck
10,073 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 03 12
I mainly suggest IRC as I am more familiar with it than ICQ, that and NaNoWriMo also uses an IRC channel so that should AIM mess up, there could always be an alternative that's not just limited to Alaskan participants, but also those who use NaNo's IRC.
----------Bide your time, and hold out hope.
5,539 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 19 13
another alternative to mIRC and trillian is pidgin (http://www.pidgin.im). It can do IRC, ICQ, myspace chat and a host of other chat protocols (including yahoo and AIM).
Unlike trillian and mirc, it's 100% free.
14,255 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 00 13
If you have a Mac, Adium is the primo and FREE chat app that does every chat under the sun.
----------Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
—John Steinbeck
36,153 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 00 49
I heartily support this alternative!
----------Nano 2008 - Sanctuary (Won!)
Nano 2009 - Majesty
4,081 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 18 20
I don't get this...I'm trying to set up IRC with Pidgin. Can anyone help me, please? :/ I'm so lost.
I'm trying IRC since no one's in the alaskanano AIM room, but I can't figure out what to do next. :P It is only a bit past 5, so I guess there's a decent chance that you're all still at work and will log into the alaskanano room soon? :)
28,356 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 00 05
How about a SKYPE chat room. It is free program, easy to use, looks good,(easy to read) and gives other options besides text, and if some of us want to chat in voice chat we can do so on the side or in the room with any one interested being able to join in. It hardly ever has any problems. The neat thing is the chat text available all the time, it will be there even if you are not on for the moment.
Feel fre to contact me if you want any further information. If you are on SKYPE already add me please, ID: polarmom
I love this program , and use it for my hypnotherapy work too, that aught to tell you how reliable it is, doesn't it??
Akpolarmom
Download SKYPE : www.SKYPE.com
----------Always Searching for more Tools of the Craft!
I haven't yet found a trance I didn't like!