Is a chat box a good idea?

[Shawn Gossman]

They say the chat box or shout box ruins a forum's engagement because it takes away from the forum.

That's definitely true in many cases. However, so does an off-topic section if you really want to focus on the niche aspect of a forum. So, if engagement and activity is what you're after, a chat or shout box could aid in that even if it takes away from the forum.

Does this chance your mind? If not, why not?

 

[B.F]

It could be another way for people to promote forums, but probably spam will come. Maybe it could work depending on the chat box.