As a temporary measure while we wait for a more permanent fix, Would you append a date and timestamp to your first & last chat message in the chat window as shown below. It's not perfect, but it's useful.
iSnark: {04/06/25 5:52 PM EDT (IN)} If you post on chat, please add a timestamp manually like I did with the example in (EDT) Eastern Daylight Time. This is hopefully a temporary fixture until a more permanent fix is put in place...
iSnark:{04/06/25 1:00 AM EDT (OUT)}
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I'm someone who has to bounce around a lot. If I'm on I'm on for 30 seconds while I'm working on stuff so it can be a little hard to catch me in chat. I do sort of want to encourage people to use posts more anyway rather than have chat steal the show.
Like I get that you are trying to get a hold of me, but with this post you kind of proved the point that you can write a post. Just ping me in a post or pm me rather than try to catch me in chat when I'm only looking for 30 seconds at a time. Or you could just write what you would write if I were there and I'll see it. That's like third best option.
I've been giving this some additional thought lately. I think the thing that sticks with me about adding the timestamps, is that people have been asking for changes. Without the timestamps, it makes the site look "amateur". Anybody that comes here new, will instinctively "kick the tires", if they get the perception that the site is lacking, They'll just go elsewhere. The chat capability certainly has a following, It would work against your goals by trying to make people bend to your vision of the site. In some cases, you have to "give 'em what they want". The old saying goes,"You only have one chance to make a good first impression", I think this is true in this case.
I have a tab open, with Upgoat, and another with MATRIX, I switch back & forth between the two, and the Upgoat site just looks fresher & more inviting. This is not meant as a slam against you or MATRIX, it's just open & objective feedback. I know this is a pet project of yours, and it's not for me to piss all over it, My opinions & a dollar, won't get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
This really is meant to be "constructive criticism", just some things to consider. If you tell me that this site is literally a side project, and you don't care if it goes anywhere, that's one thing, but, if your goal is to grow this site and become a player, you're going to need to consider some aesthetic, & functional changes... There have been some goats that have come here, that didn't stick around. MATRIX should have a loyal following from the Upgoat community and other like-minded sites.
My humble suggestion would be to focus on making the place POP, make it visually sleek and clean, maybe consider a rebrand. ie. Neo, X-Forum, NeoVerse, SQUAWK BOX, THE COMMS, THE WIRE, etc...
If a name change is NOT out of the question, maybe put it up for a vote, and solicit other name ideas from the users...
Again, NOT calling your baby ugly, just offering some constructive ideas. (I guess if my user account is locked the next time I login, I'll know that you read this.) I'd be interested in your feedback.
~iSnark