Lately, I’ve been checking out a newish web app called Firefly. It’s a simple chat script that enables people to chat with each other directly on a web page, rather than in a separate instant messaging client or Meebo-like widget. You literally can click anywhere on a web page and just start chatting, once you’ve activated it.
How have I tested it? Well, I installed it some time ago on the “Mean Laura” blog. Did anyone notice? If they did, I didn’t hear about it. But it’s not to late to give it a try…see the little toolbar at the bottom right of this page? Just click “Start Chatting” and then click anywhere on the page to start chatting with others or just say hello.
What does this mean to me, Laura?
- It’s not particularly difficult to add to a site or blog, so it could provide additional social capability for you and patrons. However, keep in mind that this is almost totally unmoderated. You might want to make it available only at certain times or in conjunction with certain events. The admin does have the ability to ban specific people.
- Firely requires Flash; if you don’t have the latest version installed, it may not work properly.
- There’s a limit of 50 people at a time. The 51st person to try chatting gets put on a waiting list.
- I’m not quite ready to classify this under “Cute, But Useless”…yet. Can anyone brainstorm a terrific idea for using this app?
