posted
For the past Month I have been testing a chat program called PalTalk. It's been around for years, but we are very impressed with how far this program has come. We see all sorts of opportunities for Letterville users who choose to install and use this program.
So what is PalTalk? Here’s their own description.. PalTalk is the next generation instant messenger integrating type, voice, video and file sharing into one neat package. Fast download and ease of use makes PalTalk the #1choice for internet savvy users. If you have ever used Yahoo Messenger or MSM, you have already played with some of the features Paltalk offers.
Over the past week, we have been experimenting with a Letterville chat room we have created in PalTalk. Most users of our faithful, old mirc channel report PalTalk is easy to download, install and use. You can type to each other and share your files and photos, but there is also the ability to use voice and/or video. We've already planned an online interview on pricing your work and determining an hourly rate for later this week. Our online guest will be Mark Smith, the developer of Estimate Software. Start writing down your questions and watch this forum for more details.
Before going any further, we need to teach you how to download and install PalTalk. You'll also have to register a nickname and learn where to find the Letterville Room. Those who want to try the voice feature need to purchase a microphone. We suggest an inexpensive headphone with a mic. A headphone allows you to hear better without disturbing the rest of your family. Let's get started.
You'll find the PatTalk website at www.paltalk.com The first thing we need to do is download the program.
Downloading
Click on the 'Download All New Paltalk Messenger 7' button. You can't miss it! This will take you to the actual Download page. Select a place on your computer to save the file, and then click "Save". Download time is only a few seconds on a high speed connection and a couple of minutes on a 56K connection.
Depending on your Web browser's settings, you may see:
A security warning window. Click "Yes" to install Paltalk.
A file download window. Click "Save" to download Paltalk.
Installation
Once the download is complete, double click on the pal_install.exe icon or file that appears in the folder in which you saved the file. This will initiate the Paltalk installation. After installation is complete, Paltalk should launch automatically. If everything has gone smoothly, it's now time to Register as a new PalTalk user. Please read the following closely.;
In PalTalk, you are allowed a number of various nicknames. I have one I use for just goofing around, and another I use in the Letterville Chat. We'd like you all to use the same name you use on the BullBoard in the Letterville Chat room. Example? I am steve_shortreed. Barb is barb_shortreed Our real first and last names.
Why real names you ask? There are a couple reasons. The first is confusion. It is vital that we all know exactly who each other are. My memory isn't as good as it once was, and I have a hard time with nicknames. For our own security, I want to know who I am talking with at all times.
The second reason is really much like the first. Letterville is not a secret society. We are all fanatical about what we do and proud of it. Many of us are also small business people. We're here to have fun, as well as to learn. There is simply no need to hide behind a nickname. Register a second or third nick for use in other, less community oriented, rooms.
During the registration process, you will be required to choose a password and create a secret question and answer. You will now be asked if you wish to subscribe to additional services or third party advertising. This is not unusual today. Everyone is looking for ways to increase revenue and a voluntary mail list is one of the most popular. Many consider it spam. Answer no if you don't want any of this stuff!
So you're registered and looking for the Letterville Chat Room. Where the heck is it?
PalTalk consists of 2 windows. Your main control window, and a room window. In the free version of PalTalk, you may see a popup window. Use any popular popup ad killer to eliminate these if you desire. We're interested in the main PT window at this point.
Look for a group of 4 tab selections called Home Groups Pals Favorites. You want to click on the Groups Tab, scroll down the list to the Business & Finance section. Click on it to open and look for Letterville. Double click on that link to join the room. That’s all there is to it!
At the present time, we have a free room. We have to have the room open in order for you to use it. Rather than sit waiting all day, we are opening the room at specific times. Right now, the room will be open 2-4 pm EST every afternoon and evenings from 8pm until midnight. Drop by, save the room as a Favorite, and start building your own Pal List of other Letterheads. Barb and/or I will be there to chat with.
Now for your questions! We know you have all sorts of things you want to know about the PT program and our thoughts about the value of PT for Letterville. Here's what we are going to do.
In the past month, I've had the pleasure of meeting some new friends here in PalTalk. One is a gal named Sassy, also known as Flying with Wings. Sassy has been around chat programs for over 10 years. She started with Internet Relay Chat, or IRC as we call it. She has 5 years experience as a former PalTalk Support Person. Sassy has helped me with numerous questions of my own. If she don't know the answer, she'll find someone who does.
Now it's your turn. Sassy will be with us in the PT Letterville Chat Room tonight to answer your questions and lead you step by step thru setup and other features of PalTalk. Write out your questions and join us from 10pm - Midnight EST.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
I just downloaded, signed up...and was speaking with Barb and "chatting" with Karen Sartain in less than 5 minutes. Looks like it is going to be great fun and a great tool.
Steve and Barb rock!
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Not a problem Mike. The "Green Button" mirc chat is still an option. Just because we have the audio option, dosen't mean it will always be used or available.
I see it as a great tool for online interviews, Monthly Resident Draws and other special events. We're even considering a weekly Karaoke Night. It's a hoot!
In reality, I have found that most users still prefer to use type. When used improperly, the voice thing can become annoying. Try it for yourself!
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
What is that anyway?? It ain't in my little pocket dictionary. Is that a person . . . . who dabbles in the ludicrous? Aw, wait, that's me . . . I bet a ludite is a Star Trek clan member. . .from the planet of lude . . .lewd??!! Did you mean lewdite??
(clamps hand over mouth) Stop this Sheila . .yer Off topic!
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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I think it's OK too. A bit hard to navigate for a nerd like me, but you can add "Letterville" as a favorite group so that it's easier to find. Not keen on the pop-ups but I just X them. It's nice to hear the different accents, but I prefer to type. Love....Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Interesting that the word 'Sabotage' stems from this era.
The name derives from the early industrial age, when powered looms could be damaged by the wooden shoes (known in French as sabots) of the displaced weavers (proto-saboteurs) being thrown into the machinery. Literally it means, "clattering in sabots".
posted
Steve seens to have avoided a small detail, that if you use a mac, you are not welcome.
Unless you would like to spend a pile of money on a windows emulater that will in addition to slowing your bank account down, will slow your mac down to a crawl.
BTW, Barb did make an effort to find a free pc emulater, but turned out that all the links that claimed 'free' in their title were hundreds of dollars when you went to download.
posted
Thats just not true Don. You neglected to mention that Barb has spent hours looking into your problem and offering various solutions. I've never used a Mac, but I'm well aware the users are loyal.
I'm not sure what you want us to do here. 99% of our users are using pcs. Should we resist taking advantage of tools we feel can benefit so many because a few use Macs? That don't seem fair either. What if we toss this opportunity out the window and you decide to take a year off again?
It's not a question about being welcome. You and I have known each other for years. After all we have been through together, I am a tad miffed that you would even suggest such a thing.
We're working behind the scenes to insure nobody gets left behind, but at some point there comes a time when each of us is forced to pay to play. We're still looking for a free program just for you.
A couple possible solutions.
Why not lower the price on your CD set so more can afford it? One sale will more than cover the software you need.
I'll bet there are all sorts of used pcs available. With new systems going for as little as $500, there should be something available for less than the emulator program. Just a thought
[ January 24, 2005, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
Just one thing in reply. Try to make that the last time in public forum that you bring up the year I took off. OK? I had very good reason. And last tuesday you witnessed a perfect example of the same instigator trying his best to get somebody else to scoot. You approve of that behavior, and even reward it, so please stop pointing it back at me.
Two tools to use instead of one that some are having trouble with. People are having challanges with getting that software to work.
Let the users vote with thier feet. If palchat is superior then all will move there. If Irc is supurior then people will stay. If both are offering tools that users like then use both.. YES????
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
i like the look and feel of paltalk, but on my work terminal, it really slowed stuff down... i'd probably stick with irc for my use, but could see the benefit of it for stuff.. and other people..
-------------------- Del Badry philmdesign Sylvan Lake, Alberta Posts: 636 | From: Sylvan Lake, Alberta | Registered: Nov 1998
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I agree Curtis. We have no intention of giving up on the current room. It's been a great tool for allowing people to exchange info and get comfy with each other. Isn't it cool how you finally get to meet your chat pals live and the ice is already broken?
The only thing that bothers me is the lack of participation in our current chat. Compare the number of BB users to chat users. Some of that is our fault. We should have more structured things going on.
I'm a slow typer. I peck away with 2 fingers and need to look at the keyboard while typing. Quite often questions will scroll by that I miss. There are times users think I am ignoring them when the truth is I never saw the question. The voice feature is going to make the Monthly Resident Draw much more fun for me.
Del...unless you are trying to use a webcam, PalTalk should not slow down your system. Dave Grundy is on a laptop in Mexico and is only able to get a 24k connection at times. Ask Sassy about that tonight. She'll show you sep by step how to set up PT for maximum performance on your machine.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
For those with a dial-up internet connection, don't feel that it will be a detriment(sp?).
I downloaded and started using PalTalk about a week ago. I am currently on a very unreliable dial-up here in Mexico. I am getting connections that vary from 7.4k to 31.6k from one day to the next. Typing in Paltalk will work even at 7.4k and I don't think anyone here has connections that low. Voice works just fine at anything over 16.8k
I know that the info on PalTalk says 28.8 minimum, but it isn't so.
I've been an IRC user for longer than most people here and still love it but I can see the benefits of PalTalk. File transfers are quicker than DCC in IRC. Voice and video capability is a definite advantage of course
As far as ease of downloading, installing and usig the program is concerned. I think most will find it a lot more user friendly than IRC. I can remember the countless hours and hours that many of us have spent explaining IRC to newcomers, some of whom just ended up giving up on the program. PalTalk hasn't presented any of the frustrations for folks who have tried it so far.
I hope more folks will give it a try.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
I tried Paltalk last night and found it interesting. It is nice to hear voices instead of just reading words, but yet you can still type if you wish to. I can see this tool very usefull in talking with other heads to discuss, business, solve problems, or even demonstrate techniques in continuing with the sharing of information about our craft.
It may not be for all, heck it may just be resisting to change for some. But it does hold many benefits that IRC just cannot offer.
For some like myself I type horroribly and loath typing so much I will cut short thoughts or not even bother with some. Also talking instead of typing gives you full emotion and proper intent of the message which in turn will eleiminate many misconceptions of what is really being said.
That happens so much in the typed world as you have witnessed on this BB.
So in closing if you can try it, why not?
The worst thing that really can happen is there will be a split letterville, I can't see how that can really be positive at all.
[ January 25, 2005, 08:49 AM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Here's the part I don't get......If I'm on Mirc typing only and someone else is in the room talking only......I can't her them unless I'm on chatpal with my volume on.....Do I have that right?????? Soooooooo, In order to participate fully I have to be on Chatpal.....
I'm sure I have something wrong here.....???
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
Any of you mac users set up with iChat at this time? I'm surprised we can't make this work with the palchat thing. I got an ISight for Christmas too, pretty cool, too bad were all ugly.
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1356 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
There nutin wrong with irc... We will still be there
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
Sorry we were late Mark. I could have saved some money on calling you.
At this time we are using a PalTalk free room. Instead of sitting in front of the computor all day we are opening the room at specific times. We were late today, but Barb is in the room from 2-4pm EST each afternoon. It reopens at 8pm - 12 Midnight. These times are just temporary and are very flexible.
Curtis is right about the current chat room. There is nothing wrong with it. When I started it 10 years ago, it was state of the art. Then again, B&W TV was pretty cool in it's time. Anyone want to go back?
There will always be an IRC network in place. Some love it! Many others find the commands, chanserv, nickserv and other details confusing. Our ops do a wonderful job of helping new users, but many end up leaving frustarted.
In an attempt to make things easier, we created the Green Button chat. This is a java based program, that makes irc easier to drive. Think of it as an automatic transmission on a vehicle. Easier to use, but the numbers using our current chat are disappointing.
It's 2005. Hardware and software have come a long way in the last 10 years. I'm old enough and honest enough to admit I have forgotten ass the DOS stuff and at least 50% of the mirc commands I once knew. You may be different, but I want things as simple and stress free as possible. There is too much on my plate to mess with learning all the details of IRC.
A handful of people have already made of their minds about PalTalk. Without even trying it, they have decided to stay with their trusted b&w TVs. That's not a problem. We went through a far bigger revolt many years back when we moved to our current Discussion Board.
I've been using PalTalk on a daily basis for over a month now. It has a wonderful 24/7 support team available to its users. In addition to type and file transfer, it offers live video and/or voice. We see nothing but opportunities to better educate and share. That's what Letterville is all about!
During my time on PalTalk, I have fortunate to meet a lady that is a former PalTalk Support worker. For 5 years, she answered thousands of questions for thousands of new PalTalk users. I'm proud to say she is now available to Letterville users.
Some of you have already met her. Her nick is Flying On Wings, but most of us call her Sassy. She was in the PT Letterville Room answering questions last week and again last night. She'll be back again this Wednesday at 9:30pm.
I invite you all to join us Wednesday nite with an open mind. Sassy will address all your questions and issues. In addition, she will once more lead you thru all the setup options to get you up and running. We'll also have a handout available on how to setup your sound.
One last comment. We've heard and read all sorts of comments on PalTalk. Some say it uses to many resources, it crashes your computor, it won't work on dial-up. For the past few days Dave Grundy has been playing with PalTalk from his vacation villa in Mexico. He is on a laptop and is lucky to get a 16K connection. His sound is excellant.
There are many times we assume things. Blue screen or crashing issues may be caused by memory or other probs. Example. I can't get my BB counter image to show. All of you can see it but I can't. I've blamed ZoneAlarm, the router, java, Norton Anti Virus and Barb for the problem. In fact I'm sure it is Barb. There's no way it's my computor! It works fine with everything else! I don't care if all of you can see the counter fine. It's Barb. She's involved in a secret plot with MS BB Central to drive me nuts. Counters should be banned!
Get the idea?
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
I downloaded the program and found my way to the Letterville Room, but it was full! Seems to have a limit of 25 and not permit spectators on the side lines.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Rick, You shoulda been there! I thought it was a lot of fun and a good way for Mark Smith to disseminate information. It worked without a hitch (other than the unknown 25 visitor limit).
Listening to Mark speak about EstiMate, instead of just looking at typed words, was informational AND entertaining. While he spoke, the rest of us went off-course and on-topic at times, like a bunch of kids with ADD. I don't know how he stayed on-topic. The nice thing about it though was that since you were LISTENING to him, the rest of the session continued like a good chat room should. Those times you wanted to say more than you wished to type, the opportunity was there.
My thanks to Steve, Barb, and of course Mark Smith for making it a great experience.
Barb wouldn't acknowledge when we raised our hand to go to the bathroom though
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
So now,after the last sh*t slinging contest that took place around here about merchants in the chat room,morality,ethics and having those who just cant mind their own friggin business inflame the self created drama that went with it behind the scenes......now,all of a sudden out of the blue its a good idea to have merchants in chatroom and its the most wonderful idea the place has ever seen? I cant really see how thats a great idea to promote honest exchange of info,but what do i know i'm just thinking about it honestly...but i guess it does prove that no matter what people will accept and embrace anything or anyone around here as long as they think its going to make them fit in with everyone else.
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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There was a monkeysh*t fight at the zoo because of merchants in the chatroom,but just like we jump on some people when they ask for a font and then publicly state its gonna get emailed to others,this too will become a victim of selective ethics and group mentality as long as it evolves into something everyone wants to believe more than they want it to be the truth or not.
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
The big deal was the fact Brian was being paid by his employer for his time to promote and troubleshoot their product. I don't think that's too controversial. The vendor representatives that show up at live meets are PAID to be there, some (not many) would do it for nothing but if someone is willing to pay them, take advantage of it. Why not pay someone to provide the same exact service, even if it is in a chat room? If this is just an online letterhead meet, the vendor reps should be paid for their time as employees just the same.
Anyway, as far as participation in the chat room, simply switching to PalTalk is not going to increase it. Green Button chat is easy, anyone can get into that with two clicks.
The problem is, people go into the chat room at whatever time and there's nobody in there because their timing is just off, so after a few attempts and not finding anyone to chat with they give up. If everyone knew there were 10-15 people there EVERY NIGHT from 10pm-3am EST more would probably show up.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
REALITY CHECK!!!!! Perhaps there is a difference in a merchant being invited versus just helping themselves ..............? I think that there are only two people who really know what went on in that situation, so why all the authorities? Whose playground is this? Who does all the work to keep it open? Do some want the satisfaction of seeing it destroyed just too have the bragging rights of being right? Is this constant nitpicking pleasurable? Do you think it causes stress to the administrators? Darn Right! If any of you came into my place and behaved this way you can bet your boots you'd be out on your ass*s. We all choose our own attitudes on things and no one can change that but ourselves. If a select few choose to take things personally and whine and gripe about it there isn't much anyone can do. This new feature wasn't initiated to leave any one out or slap any one in the face. I think you are all aware of that and if you choose to take it that way there isn't really anything anyone can do about it. It is starting to get really old. PalTalk has some new and improved features. It has brought in new people who don't have the typing skill to be active in chat. It allows one person to head a forum while others type in questions and it will allow videos for online demos. That is the reason it is being looked at. It doesn't mean that the old chat can't continue as it is. I don't know what the solution to the Mac thing is, but I really don't believe the majority of Mac users would deny everyone here this opportunity. Contact PalTalk personally and gripe to them. Expend your energy looking into solutions instead of causing problems. I think some need to take a step back and look at how they are coming across. Is this really who you are? If I sound ****ed off .......I am - the drama here is really getting to a lot of us.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Ya,this is who i really am,both online and off,i'm like this all the time and those here who either met or talk to me off the board can attest to that. The only way i come off here is honest and true to myself and my opinion and i offer input on a couple of subjects i know alot about and pretty much stay out of everything elseI couldnt care less about paltalk vs irc,but i am curious as to who "us" is,maybe its someone related to "they" from the famous but invisible "thats what they say" family......why does there have to be an "us" vs "them" mentality anyway on a site like this anyway where everyone's input is supposed to be valued equally? Like i said before,anything said here that isnt accepted 100% by everyone is taboo,stressful and the list goes on at times......but i guess i just read another site when i see all that or something,i'm such a silly goose that way sometimes. I have to go work 3 parades right now and wont be back till prob 12-1am so in lieu of filling up this thread till it gets locked,just send the usual emails to zeeman40@hotmail.com with paltalk post as a header.Enjoy the day
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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![[Bash]](graemlins/bash.gif)
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Did you mean lewdite??
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