Ohai! Here's some basic info on FlashChat's functions.  There are other functions that have been disabled for the moment, for the sake of making life easier for everyone.  We can add them back in if there's a need for them.  All you need is a browser that can handle Flash. Register here Log in here Status You can set your status to Here, Away, Busy, or BRB with the drop-down at the left end, just above the box where you type text.   Options The Options button is right above the box you type in.  The Effects tab will allow you to change the avatar next to your name in the user list, and/or put one next to your name in the message window.  You can also remove the background image if you want to.  The Text tab lets you change the font size and style that you see. Text Colour You can change the colour your text appears in.  Right beside the Options button, over the box you type in, there's a small square.  Click on that and choose a colour. Changing Room At the top there's a box that tells you which room you're in.  At the right end of it there's a drop-down arrow.  Click on the arrow and choose which room you want to be in. Creating A Room If you want a private room, click on the Add button beside the drop-down room list at the top.  If you specify that it's private, people won't be able to see it and you'll have to invite people in by clicking on their name in the user list and choosing Invite.  If you specify a password, no one can enter without knowing what the password is.  These rooms are not permanent and will vanish after being empty for 60 seconds.   Profiles You can set up a profile for yourself by clicking on your own name in the room list and choosing Profile.  You can see other people's profiles the same way.  Include or leave out any info you want.   Private Message If you want to say something privately to someone, click on their name in the user list and choose Private Message. Ignore If you're having a problem with someone, the first step is to click on their name in the user list and choose Ignore. For anyone familiar with IRC, FlashChat can also do a lot of this with IRC-style commands, which you can see here.  You do NOT need this, though. Just FYI, re: safety and privacy and such: FlashChat does log a lot of stuff.  I can't imagine why I'd want to go back and read through any of it, however, unless someone came to me with a problem.  If anything does happen, though, and someone isn't playing nice, it's possible to track it.  Passwords are encrypted and not visible to anyone.  I'm currently the only admin, although I'm willing to accept volunteers as moderators.  If you need to reach me, you can email me at steph@prysmatic.com Have fun!