[SwollenCranium]

Originally Posted by andrew.lee

.....

You asked me to review the product, and I will do so now:

The Pro:

Easy installation, small footprint, private chats, chat logs.

The Con:

I installed and used the paid (basic) version for 5 days. I initially was going to test it for 30 but after 5 I had already determined my choice. I uninstalled it today because:

1. @ basic level I am charged $9.95/ month for next to NO administrator ability.

a. I am unable to set by user group ( A MAJOR requirement to most forums owners) who can use the IM.

b. The IM session time does not match my forum session time and I am given NO admin settings for session control. The is CRUCIAL as your basic plan sets me at 25 max connections. Oft time users will log out of my forum and STILL be shown as active in the IM sessions. And as far as I can tell this effects users waiting to join. I of course can not check this as there is virtually no admin back end.

c. No ability to define landing pages for the IM client (with out editing the API) . It follows the user everywhere. this is a NOGO when a user is trying to use VB pop up control windows such as 'add pictures' and others. Again .. NO ADMIN settings to change this.

Bottom line:

The PRICE is prohibitive. The Mod section of VB.org has several chat mods that store chats, sound notify, private chat .. etc. None of them charge a monthly hosting fee. A forum using a shared hosted service is likely only paying ~ 15/month for the entire host solution. Adding another monthly fee for a service that essentially mimics similar products found for free or for a one time product fee is a likely to return you a small number of customers.

The Next echelon on your pay scale is $24/month and you give no admin controls to adjust the items I outlined in A-C. (No control that I can see by your instruction on your web site)


I support the market economy and your right to charge what ever it is you decide is fair.

My recommendation to you is to reevaluate your price and/or add more usability at the basic level.

Good luck !!