(May 9, 2018 at 9:16 pm)*Deidre* Wrote:(May 9, 2018 at 8:16 pm)KevinM1 Wrote: I like the idea, but implementation isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It would require either installing new prepackaged software (I’m not sure how well WordPress (ewwww) can handle potentially hundreds of users logging in), or writing some custom software. And then theming it to look more or less like the forum.
In any event, it’s something that would take some time and/or money to do.
Not saying it’s impossible, just that it’s likely a bigger ask than most people realize. At least, if it’s done right.
Yea, not sure of the logistics of it all, so if it's too much to add that separate feature like ''chat,'' the thread option works, and all that would be required is a subforum to be created.
The shoutbox in MyBB is, I believe, an integral part of the forum software. No extra programming steps necessary. Moros Synackaon did, IIRC, program a plugin which gave access to a standard IRC web client as a chat function, but a) that required a good bit of work on Moros Synackaon's part, and b) even then, was not provided by the forum software itself but by an external chat client. Currently, chat functionality beyond the shoutbox is provided solely by an external app, and the 'chat' link on the forum web page only provides an informational text box advising the user how to access it.
So there is little support for chat functions in the forum software, and my observation is that it is seldom used. I don't know if there exist blog plugins for the MyBB forum software, and I haven't looked, but if there isn't, then I suspect the only reasonable way to provide such functionality would be to appeal to an app that is separate from the forum like the Slack app is used for chat now. Somehow, I don't think this is what you're looking for with respect to member blogs.
I will point out that we do have a convert's corner section of the forum which hosts member stories of their trip to atheism, and that is somewhat blog-like.