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Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

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Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#11

Post by nadaviv »

karjaluoto wrote: post #8
adnanh wrote: post #6

Why not just use the IRC?

More technical people probably will continue to use IRC. That said, many others won't, simply due to the barriers to entry. Our take, is that topic-based discussions are of interest to a lot of less-technical folks, too. For them, something like Chapp is easier.

There are quite a few web interfaces that makes IRC accessible to less-technical folks, while also allowing for more tech-savvy users to use their preferred IRC client. What's the advantage you see over using something like that?

Edit: in fact, Chapp itself could be built on top of IRC and retain all of its current functionality. You'll also gain a very well battle tested protocol and software tools.

Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#14

Post by karjaluoto »

nadaviv wrote: post #11
karjaluoto wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

More technical people probably will continue to use IRC. That said, many others won't, simply due to the barriers to entry. Our take, is that topic-based discussions are of interest to a lot of less-technical folks, too. For them, something like Chapp is easier.

There are quite a few web interfaces that makes IRC accessible to less-technical folks, while also allowing for more tech-savvy users to use their preferred IRC client. What's the advantage you see over using something like that? Edit: in fact, Chapp itself could be built on top of IRC and retain all of its current functionality. You'll also gain a very well battle tested protocol and software tools.

But in spite of those web interfaces, IRC usage is still dropping. Our feeling is that topic-based discussions need a fresh start.

I suppose that’s part of why we’re doing this. We don’t know quite where we’ll end up, but do think there’s room for something in between IRC and more common social networks.

Chapp is still very early on—hence the bugs and rough edges. That said, we’re glad to have a working prototype in place, so we can muck about, and explore where it can be pushed.

Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#15

Post by ironfrost »

I like the idea, but another minor complaint: scrolling is painfully slow, at least in Firefox. Each movement of the mouse wheel only moves me a few pixels (it takes ~30 seconds of scrolling to go up a single screen), and other scrolling methods (cursor keys, page up/down, middle-click) don't seem to be supported.

Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#17

Post by shelkie »

ironfrost wrote: post #15

I like the idea, but another minor complaint: scrolling is painfully slow, at least in Firefox. Each movement of the mouse wheel only moves me a few pixels (it takes ~30 seconds of scrolling to go up a single screen), and other scrolling methods (cursor keys, page up/down, middle-click) don't seem to be supported.

Hmm, we'll take a look at that. We're using iScroll here, so maybe there's a mouse wheel issue with Firefox/Windows.

Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#18

Post by karjaluoto »

mitchellh wrote: post #16

I can understand why not IRC, but it looks like a lot of topics are technical. If you want to attract a technical crowd, it would be nice to see an IRC bridge.

The topics are more technical at this time, because we first noted Chapp in venues like HN. (During closed testing, there were more design-related channels, as we first asked a few of my friends to try it--and most of them are designers.)

That said, with time we figure the audience will shift to include groups with more varied interests. That's where we think this could become interesting. Perhaps with folks watching Game of Thrones and chatting on Chapp about the story as it unfolds. (Or the Stanley Cup playoffs, if that's your thing.)

Of course, it will take time for the community to diversify. And with each day, and another few users, the tone of the community shifts a little. That said, it's kind of fun watching how it changes.

Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#19

Post by benackles »

I would suggest giving a better idea of the product before you sign up. It's just an MVP, so it's not a big deal. Just don't forget that when you arrive at home, you don't know who you're trusting with your identity nor do you know what you're getting into. Give a teaser.

Re: Show HN: Chapp is topic-based chat

#20

Post by karjaluoto »

benackles wrote: post #19

I would suggest giving a better idea of the product before you sign up. It's just an MVP, so it's not a big deal. Just don't forget that when you arrive at home, you don't know who you're trusting with your identity nor do you know what you're getting into. Give a teaser.

We're actually going the other way on this one. Currently, the site starts with a landing page of sorts, with the links listed in larger type. This was done with the notion of a starting point in mind--like a cover or introduction.

However, we're finding that page really gets in the way when you visit multiple times in a day. As such, we want to remove that obstacle. Soon, users will land directly on the Active Channels list, as you can see in some of the new comps: http://chapp.is/Chapp/83xZXYnEvhbz3xRMs (scroll to the top to view)

Our reasoning on this point is that visitors are pretty much able to see everything that's on the site, without logging in. As such, I don't think we need to explain what they'll find, as most will probably browse before posting or commenting on anything.

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