space bar: FAQ

Q: What is the space bar for?
A: The space bar is a place to talk to other people on the Internet. When no one is looking, all kinds of craziness breaks out.

Q: Who hangs out at the space bar?
A: The regulars are a motley bunch -- students, computer professionals, other assorted crazies. Some people divide their time among a lot of chat places; some people like to stay put.

Q: What do I do there?
A: Do whatever you like. But remember, some people spend a lot of time here, and think of this as home, or at least a rowdy neighborhood pub. Don't expect to make friends if you're asking pushy questions or demanding to be entertained.

Q: What are all these silly abbreviations?
A: Please don't be shy about asking people to explain themselves. We were all new at this once. But a quick list follows:

LOL -- Laughing out Loud
ROTFL -- Rolling on the floor laughing
BBL -- Be back Later
BRB -- Be Right Back
BTW -- By The Way
IMHO -- In My Humble Opinion

Q: Sometimes when I type, nothing shows up on the screen for several seconds. What's the deal?
A: This is lag, the bane of chat addicts. Sometimes the machine space bar runs on is slow. Sometimes the Net is congested between you and the space bar. Sometimes it's a combination of the two. All you can do is wait it out, or try reconnecting later if it's really bad.

Press space bar to continue.