GUIDANCE FOR CHAT PARTICIPANTS

In order for you to make the most of your time chatting here are some tips.

1. Register at least one day in advance. This allows you to receive the confirmation e-mail and log on in time for the chat.
2. Remember that the name you register with will be the one displayed. If you select John for example there could be other Johns – every chatter must have a unique name so that it is clear who is chatting. But if you are under 16 years of age you must not use your full name (don't use your surname) on the web. You can always choose a nickname.
3. When you first log on you will see a blank screen if the chat has not yet started or the most recent section of the chat in progress plus a list of participants on the right-hand side. To see all the chat before you joined it click on the link at the bottom right of the screen: Read Chat.
4. Think about what questions you want to ask the invited guest before you join the chat. If it is an author relate it to their book/s or why they write, what led them to start etc. Don't ask if they have ever been to your country on holiday and where did they like best or how to get a grant for a writing course (for advice on that take a look at the Funding section of our Frequently Asked Questions).  Keep your questions focused.
5. Write short sentences or split up long questions/answers into parts by using… at the end of a sentence and then do a carriage return and continue to type. The … means I will continue my question/answer. This allows the others to read the first part of your question and answer rather than leaving a long gap while you type in a whole paragraph.
6. If there are a number of people in the chat that you want to address questions to then always address them by name.
7. Chats can be confusing as everyone can seem to be asking questions at the same time so be patient if your question does not receive an immediate response.

8. The chat screen refreshes frequently.
9. Remember you can always continue the discussion on the webboard after the chat has finished.
10. Don't use bad language or be rude. All users can be banned by the chat moderator, this prevents you from joining in future chats. Remember that you agreed to the Terms and Conditions when you registered.
11. If you want to take part in a chat but are unavailable at the time it is taking place e-mail your questions to the Online Reader in Residence and she will ask them on your behalf. You will be able to see the replies by reading the chat transcript that will be available on site as soon as the chat is closed.

12. In some countries connections can break easily. If this happens just log in again. To see the previous part of the chat click on the link at the bottom right of the screen: Read Chat.