OK, here is my statement for this thread:

I installed Paltalk but it wasn't as a result of promtion by another Mudcatter. I did some research and suggested it to other Mudcatters and most if not all of those who have commented above, registered directly or indirectly as a result of that move and my setting up of a Mudcat room to replace the old Hearme room which by that time had become unstable.

When I saw it, I welcomed the new oppertunities it offered, oppertunities to offer and welcome in new people with the ability to control trouble makers and a means to vist and meet new people in other rooms - a potential that never was fully realised by many within our group but something quite new (and I thought exciting) from moving from our Hearme setup. I was also impressed with the quality of sound.

There were a few drawbacks though, the help needed to enable some of our old Hearme participants to get a correct install was never there and flashing banner ads were something new to contend with. Other than that, I guess the only other big dissapointment (common to all voice chats I've tried) is a lack of Mac support - it does split groups.

I am not specially concerned about charges (although I do think commercial rates are excessive) for locked rooms which have done little to enhance the community feeling that has become part of my enjoyment of a "Paltalk Experience" within the music rooms I visit but I see it as part of what I consider to be agressive tactics by Paltalk.

I have had to put up with upgrades that seem to enable pop up ads and offer little if anything else and now a pop up ad saying something like "are you annoyed with pop ups - sign up and get rid?" this is in your face bullying tactics and in itself an acknowledgement they are deliberatly annoying their own users.

I guess I will stick with Paltalk while I think the benifits outway the irritations but I can't see Paltalk remaining on the "plus side" much longer.

Jon