Note: If you are having trouble with the java applet reloading every time, please try choosing the 'GRANT ALWAYS' option when it presents itself. If your browser asks you to run the program every time, make sure you check the check box that says 'Always trust Digi-Net software' - then click YES. If you continue to have problems with this or anything chat related, please contact us

Do I have to register somewhere to get into this chat?
No.  Just enter a nickname, click on Connect, and that's it.  Any nickname will do.  You'll be in the Meeting Room.  If you want to go to a different room, click the Rooms tab on the right side of your screen.  Click on the room you want to enter. 

Is there a charge to participate?
No.  But you might make a donation via credit card to reimburse the cost of the chat hosting service -- just as you might put some money in the basket at a face-to-face meeting.  Your donations are tax deductible.  Or send a check to the LifeRing Service Center.  Thank you!

I don't see a window to enter a nickname and I don't see a "Connect" button, all I see is a gray box
Be patient.  Depending on the speed of your connection and on Internet congestion at the moment, it may take up to one minute for the login window to appear the first time you use chat.   

I waited more than a minute but I never saw a window or a "Connect" button

The problem may be that you have no Java.  The LSR chat requires a current Java-enabled browser.  Therefore:

• Web-TV won't work at all.  Web-TV has no Java.

• The Opera browser won't work at all.  It doesn't support Java.

• Older AOL browsers may give problems in some cases.  No problems have been reported with AOL 6.0. 

• The old Netscape 3.x and Internet Explorer 3.x browsers may not work; they support Java only in part.

• Try downloading Internet Explorer 6  or Netscape Navigator or up.  Be sure to select the "with Java" or "full install" option if asked.

I saw the window and the "Connect" button but then my browser froze up
A few browser setups require a reboot the first time you run Java.  If it happens again after a reboot, you may not have Java installed.  Download a current browser, reboot, and try again.  See previous item. 

I bought a new XP box and it does not have Java installed
A small minority of new Windows XP boxes come without Java installed.  If you get one of those, upgrade the browser (even if it is the latest version) and get the full version "with Java."  Internet Explorer 6   There are thousands of web sites using Java and when you run into one of them you will probably be redirected automatically to a site that will install Java on your machine seamlessly, so you're unlikely to remain Java-less for long. 

I got in but there was nobody else there
Invite somebody to come to the chat room with you.  If this happened during a scheduled online meeting, send an email to the convenor.  Use the links on the chat schedule.  Volunteer as a chat convenor for an open time slot. Contact the Online Meeting Coordinator.

What are the ground rules in the chat rooms?
They are the same as for face-to-face LifeRing meetings.  The main purpose of the meetings is to help one another remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs.  The atmosphere is secular; your religion/spirituality or lack thereof remains private and rarely comes up.  We help one another build a tailor-made recovery program that works for the individual.  The atmosphere is positive, supportive, and non-confrontational.

Are there no-nos in the chat rooms?
Yes.  Advocacy of drinking or drug use will get you flamed and eventually kicked out.  Religious proselytizing or "witnessing," the same.  Rudeness, personal attacks, racism, sexually offensive remarks and similar conduct will make you unwelcome and can get you booted. 

Is there a moderator present?
During scheduled online meetings the convenor (chat host) can act as moderator and can, if necessary, boot people out.  However, as a chat room guest you can blank out anyone from your screen who is obnoxious to you, and you can send private messages to others in the room.  You can also start up a new room.  At other times, no moderator is ordinarily present.  If you notice offensive activity in an online meeting room during unscheduled hours, please contact the Online Meeting Coordinator.

Can I and my friends meet in the chat room when there's no scheduled meeting?

Yes.  Just be sure to pick up after yourself and rearrange the chairs the way you found them.

 

:~)