Thread: IM - PM - Instant Message signal

Is there anyone who has found a way for users to be notified when someone else is trying to send them an IM/PM?

You are right ..that will be smart...especialy when the IM window in on "hide".

Smoge..what do you say?

No it dosn't work else you make a script for it, the IM is really bad and I'm planning to build a new version if some one else is interested we can split the cost fot it and then have it for less money. Just write to me here.

// Åke Bendel

I agree! I think we all know that AEDating's IM is confusing to say the least, lacks many use friendly features and needs a lot of fixing. IM is such an important feature and helps to build an online community. Smogebox is nice, but a lot of people prfer private IM. The way I see it, we have 3 options:

1) Hire an independant programmer to create a user friendly IM script thats compatable with AEDating.

2) Purchase an IM Script from an independant company and integrate it. The question is, which type is best to use (ie-flash, php, etc..)? Which scripts would be compatable and which companies provide a warranty for upgrades and bugs?

3) Put together a list of features, improvements and fixes we would like to see for AEDating's IM script and hire Smoge to fix it or create a new script. Or ask Smoge which IM script he would recommend using and then pay him to configure it and integrate it for us.

Personally I prefer using the third option and hiring Smoge- he's put so much time and effort into this, we trust him, he cares about doing good quality work, he knows AEDating inside and out, he obviously knows what he's doing, he's fair and we would definitely get our money's worth.
Finding a good programmer or company is like trying to find a good mechanic you can trust- their nearly impossible to find (no offense to any mechanics out their- Im about to be a lawyer and I know its just as tough to find a lawyer you can trust- dont bother with the jokes, Ive heard them all-lol), but once you find one, stick with him no matter what. I think Smoge is our AEDating mechanic; not to mention we have numerous other people on this site that are extremely knowledgable and contribute a heck of a lot which would help a lot as well- you cant put a price on peace of mind.

I just want to get this AEDating thing fixed once and for all so I can finally launch the darn thing.

What are your thoughts on this Smoge? Let us know!

I Agree with you that we schould ask Smoge o demand AE to create a new one so this feature really would work. As it is now I never sucessfullt have managed a chatt session that way with anoyher member. How do we take this issue forward?

I Launched my site after one year of code fixing in my spare time, see it at http://www.singelhuset.se

Originally Posted by umlaw

Put together a list of features, improvements and fixes we would like to see for AEDating's IM script

No matter the choice of who does it - this is the best place to start.

Things like:

1) Is it the same size as the current IM?

2) Do people have to be added, or is this step not needed?

3) Can people be blocked?

4) Thumbnails or no thumbnails?

5) History

6) Combine with the shoutbox (saves space)?

etc...

Rob

How about something based on this...

http://www.semtechinteractive.com/fl...im/default.asp

Sent messages popup.

Would need to add database support and other enhancements - but it is a start (saves time).

Smoge

Hi Smoge,
That looks really nice!! Nice layout too- very smooth and professional looking!! Not as boxy as AEDating's IM! As for the size; I guess as long as it can be configured to fit different templates. I like that its skinny so you can fit it on the side. Placing it under or above SmogeBox may be a good idea to save space- I dont like how AEDating places it right above the profiles or on the right side of the screen in some of their templates.
I dont think thumbnails are that important, besides, it takes up a lot more space- maybe if the person double clicks on the screen name it could bring up their profile or something.
Blocking members and being able to make yourself invisible are two good options to have that way people arent always IM'ing you the second you go online.
Having the option to open it on that screen or in a seperate window is also a good option as well. Saving the history of the IM until you log off is also a good idea.
Sending a request to the other person to add them to your IM Buddy list is a good idea as well, that way you dont have to sit there and constantly wait until you can catch the person online before asking them to add them to your buddy list.
I like it!!!

Originally Posted by Smoge

How about something based on this...

http://www.semtechinteractive.com/fl...im/default.asp

Sent messages popup.

Would need to add database support and other enhancements - but it is a start (saves time).

Smoge

Originally Posted by TruckerJeff

Its built with flash and ASP.
It does not use a database

It was just an example of an IM that has, perhaps, some of the user features people want.

Rob

Yes, the one thing we all definitely agree on is that the current IM feature stinks, it looks blocky, its not user friendly or owner friendly, and doesnt have the features that are needed- something like Yahoo IM or AOL's AIM- same good looks, great features and user friendliness. Current public chatroom software, Smogebox, etc have many of the same features, maybe we could build on that.
There has got to be an IM script out there that a company sells with the features we need that looks good.
Has anyone looked through Hotscripts.com? Im just not sure which type of IM script is better or what technical features to look for- ie- Java, PHp, etc... and which one would be compatable with AEDating and easy to use for the owner and customer.

Some companies that offer IM scripts- may want to look up any reviews on them first:
http://www.php121.com/
http://www.dzoic.com/features_overview.php
http://cutesoft.net/Web-Messenger/default.aspx
http://www.centova.com/pages/msgrdetails/
http://www.flylip.com/
http://www.semtechinteractive.com/eztextim/default.asp
http://webauthor.com/products/messengerxm.htm
http://jdevelop.com/instant-messenger.html
http://www.jmessenger.com/