Anyone else tried it/using it?

I haven't tried it myself but I do have a nagging recollection of another site that also allows avatar chat between people on the same website.

I tried to find weblin's rival but I failed. Obviously my "awesome" searching powers have been drained by the magic of Christmas ...

It's not a bad idea and I think that a lot of pay-to-contact dating websites might be a bit worried that people could just hang out at their sites, using weblin, to chat to members of the opposite love instead of pay them to do that.

If you do use then beware that weblin will be able to track your browsing habits, if only to put you in touch with other users at the same site.

However it could be useful. It all depends on how the site's community builds on each website.

What is Weblin?

Any website?

Is it all Weblin users or just the ones you have made friends with?

I know I could probably find all this on the net, but you tell it better

Basically imagine that every website is a public space like a park or cafe. When you go to the site you effectively enter this space and can see the other people there. Then you can either generate a speech bubble thast everyone else can read, or send PMs. There are all the tickboxes you might expect so you can block people and add people as friends. It seems like a good idea but I'm pretty bored with it already.

I suppose the most exciting thing you could do with it would be to visit a risqué site and see if others want to discuss that topic ...

... but the chance is that no-one would be there!

Well I'm going to give it a go and see what I think of it.

I've downloaded it and set it all up - pressed 'start now' and nothing is happening.

My main gripes are:

- its different to a forum because you are basically striking up random conversation rather than following a structure or getting to know people by their posts
- It is worldwide, so language is an issue
- checking someones profile always opens a new window in firefox. Annoying if you wana look at several people's
- If you navigate away from the site you leave the conversation, unless it is private instant messaging
- Distracting!!! But thats the point really...
- The number of people on a website varies and too many is difficult to navigate as they all get piled up. It chews into computer power too.
- It's just the annonimity of it really. You aren't talking to people, just avatars. You don't even know their name, age, gender if they don't fill in their profile. And a lot don't


Funny thing is, I still like the concept

Should my avatar always be on the screen?

Yes

Try google, wikipedia and the weblin site if you wana see lots of others

What is it's not on the screen?

It means that your avatar has probably just popped off-screen for a cup of tea!