PlånetSocks now uses AOL's AIM instant messaging service for chatting. AIM is free software that you can download at www.aim.com. The chatroom name we use is "PSChat" (sorry Powerslave fans).  

If you don't want to download any software, you can still get on AIM with their free Java tool AIM Express. You should be able to use it on any computer unless it is blocked by some nazi security software.

If you don't already have an AIM screen name, we suggest you choose either your PS board username, or, if that name's already taken, PSusername. For example, DogStalker uses PSDogStalker. You can make your AIM nick known to other board members by updating your profile in your "User Menu."

Once you're set up, you can enter the chatroom by clicking the icon on the PS homepage, or the PS Chatroom link on the message board. You could also click on your AIM "People" menu and then "Send Chat Invitation." Enter your AIM nick as the invitee and "PSChat" as the chatroom.

There, now you're ready to chat!

The best time for finding other people in the chatroom is while one of the shows that we cover is being aired (like Real World, Top Model, Survivor,  Amazing Race), but there's a slight chance you can find people there at other times.

When you arrive in chat, please don't be one of those lookieloo types that pops in and out instantly just because they saw only one person in there or because nobody is talking right away or because you're a nosy peeping cunt, because if you do that, everyone will rightfully curse you, and you don't want that. And please don't get anxious over long silences—most people who chat are doing other things (pr0n) at the same time and aren't staring at the chatroom window non-stop.

If nobody is there and you want some company, feel free to post in the Off-Topic board that you're in the chatroom... all alone... thinking about the story arc of your life... and you could use a friend right now.

Happy chatting.

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