Creating An Account
To create a User Account for the SPARC Chatroom, simply type in the User name and password you'd like to use and press the 'Login To Chat' button. If your account doesn't exist, you're taken to a registration screen where you can reserve that name.
When you reserve a User name, an email is sent to you for confirmation. Click on the link in the email and your account will be created with a randomly-generated password. (Once you're logged into Chat, you can change your password by going to your Personal Profile information screen- see the Help screen for more information).
Trouble Logging In
When you login to the Chatroom, a new window should appear; if it doesn't appear and you're taken back to the 'Message Boards and Chat Room' instead, chances are you have some sort of pop-up blocker software running (or have pop-up blocking enabled in your browser). Turn off the pop-up blocking for the DeltaBravo.net site and try logging in again.
The Message Boards And Chatroom Use Different Passwords
Note that the Chatroom and the Message Boards are totally separate systems that use different user accounts and passwords. In other words, your Message Board name and password are not the same as the name and password used in the Chatroom. You can use the same name and password in Chat that you use on the message boards, but only if the user name you pick hasn't already been registered in Chat.
Incorrect Password Message
If you try to login to Chat and receive the message that your "password is incorrect", it's possible that someone else has already registered the name you're trying to use in the Chatroom (and that's why it says your password is "incorrect"). If this happens, try another user name, or add a number to the end of your name you'd like to use (e.g. if the name "BillyBob" doesn't work, try "BillyBob2000" or something like that).
Online Error Message
You may occasionally get the error message "Your online data is in error". This is a 'cookie' issue and isn't anything to worry about. Logging out of the Chatroom and then back in usually clears it up. If it doesn't, it's possible you're using some 'cookie management' software that's intefering with the cookies that the Chatroom is trying to send. This is because the SPARC Chatroom requires cookies to be enabled to function properly.
Lost Chatroom Passwords
At this time we cannot change, alter, or renew your password for the Chatroom. If you've managed to lose it or forget it, too bad. Contact us and let us know. We'll remove the account so you can re-create it, but please don't email us and ask us to make you a new password. Due to limitations in the software this isn't something we can do.
Lurking
"Persistent lurking", or simply sitting in the room continuously without participating or responding to other users is generally not allowed. Persistent lurkers may be asked to leave at the discretion of the Administrator or chatroom Moderators.
