Frequently Asked Questions




Q: How long does it take for the chat window to appear?
A: Depending on your computer and Internet connection, it can take up to two minutes for the chat window to appear, although it should show up much sooner. If nothing happens after a couple minutes, clear your browser's cache and reboot your browser, then try logging in again.

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Q: I left the chat and now nothing happens when I try to login again. Why?
A: Your computer may have cached the previous java files and now has nothing to trigger the window to launch. Try clearing your browser's cache and rebooting your browser, then logging in again.

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Q: How can I change my icon?
A: Click "Settings," then choose an icon from those displayed. Use the left/right arrow buttons to see more.

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Q: What changes can I make to my profile and how can I do it?
A: Click "Settings" to bring up your profile menu. From there you can change your personal info, block your profile from public view, change your icon, choose the display font and colors, choose what sounds occur with what events, and more. Just pick a tab from the top of the menu screen, make any changes, then select "Save" at the bottom of the menu screen.

Note: These settings aren't permanent and only apply to your profile while logged into the chat.

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Q: How do I post a public message to the chat room?
A: Enter your message in the window directly above the "Help!" window and click the "Send" button on the right. Your message should then appear inside the chat window.

Note: If you're in a moderated chat, your post will first go to a moderator who screens incoming postings before sending them on. Only the most relevant posts are forwarded to the guest speaker.

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Q: How can I send a private message to a particular person?
A: Select that person's name from the "Nickname" window on the right, then click . A popup window will appear that will allow you and that person to converse privately.

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Q: What does :) mean?
A: That is an "emoticon," sometimes referred to as "smileys." Emoticons are used to convey feeling with words so that the receiver of the message can get a better understanding of what the sender actually means. For example, if I wanted to make sure the post I just made is understood to be sent in a happy frame of mind, I would add :) at the end of it to show I was smiling.

There are many many types of emoticons, but some of the more common ones you may see are: 

:)    happy
:(    sad
:P    sarcastic
:P~   sticking out your tongue
:O    surprised
}:>   devilish

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Q: How do I change to a different chat room?
A: Select the "Rooms" tab on the top right of the screen. You'll see a list of rooms with the number of people in each. If the room has a "lock" icon next to it, it's a private room that requires a password to enter. Select the room you want to join, then click "Enter," or double click the room name.

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Q: What does "LOL," etc. mean?
A: LOL is an acronym for "Laughing Out Loud". Acronyms are commonly used in bulletin boards and chat rooms to enhance messages and save space. Other common acronyms you may see are:

RUT: Are you there?
BRB: Be right back...
BAK: Back at the keyboard
GIWIST: Gee, I wish I'd said that!
GMTA: Great minds think alike
ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
B4N: Bye for now...
W8AM: Wait a minute...
J/K: just kidding!
OIC: Oh, I see...
TTFN: Ta-ta for now
RL: Real Life

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Q: How can I see the public profile of a user?
A: Select the user's name from the "Nickname" list, then click . If that person has chosen to allow their profile to be viewable, you'll see what they've filled in.

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Q: How can I ignore messages from someone?
A: Select that person's name from the "Nicknames" list then click . Click it again to permit messages from that person. This will also keep someone from viewing your personal profile while keeping it public for anyone else.

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Q: What's the purpose of that "HELP!" graphic at the bottom left of the screen?
A: This is the help window. When you move your pointer over a button or feature of the chat window, its explanation appears in this help window, to the right of the graphic.

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Q: How do I exit the chat?
A: Click the "Logout" button at the bottom right of the screen, or simply close your browser.

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Q: I'm still confused about some things... how can I get more assistance?
A: Contact us at webmaster@flyertalk.com

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