1.) Flash instant messaging, a non-invasive, small box that users either on your friend list or allowed by you can communicate with you in real-time. This would probably be manipulated by those with bad intentions, but the base of the idea can be expanded on by you guys.
2.) A chat-room, perhaps with voice chat capabilities integrated like that which is featured on Yahoo! or Pal-talk. It wouldn't need to be as fancy, just a simple IRC design would be really cool too. How awesome would it be to get 20 of the forumheads in a real-time atmosphere to shoot the shit away from the hubbub of the forum? You could log in with your posting handle and, unlike the IM idea, this can be much more easily policed.
Some sample templates, in case there's no visual reference handy... This is a cheap program called flashchat...
Most forums I've come across haven't really taken the plunge and altered their base, but I think that it's important to keep changing from a functionality standpoint with the times. The contests and stuff are cool, but I think the emphasis placed onto forum maintenance will ultimately keep more asses in the seat than any giveaway.
2.) A chat-room, perhaps with voice chat capabilities integrated like that which is featured on Yahoo! or Pal-talk. It wouldn't need to be as fancy, just a simple IRC design would be really cool too. How awesome would it be to get 20 of the forumheads in a real-time atmosphere to shoot the shit away from the hubbub of the forum? You could log in with your posting handle and, unlike the IM idea, this can be much more easily policed.
Some sample templates, in case there's no visual reference handy... This is a cheap program called flashchat...
Most forums I've come across haven't really taken the plunge and altered their base, but I think that it's important to keep changing from a functionality standpoint with the times. The contests and stuff are cool, but I think the emphasis placed onto forum maintenance will ultimately keep more asses in the seat than any giveaway.
