The world is your forum
Written: Jan 12 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Voice, Video and more
Cons: basic level ads can be annoying
The Bottom Line: Give it a try, I think youll like it
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| tannman1's Full Review: PalTalk |
Paltalk 7.0
What is Paltalk? Paltalk is more then a chat program, more then an instant messenger application. Paltalk is both and more. Paltalk is a chat community in which the user may communicate with others in a variety of ways including user created rooms called groups, user created private groups, PM's (private messages). Within each the user can send video using a webcam, receive video from other users, communicate with voice using a mic, listen to others speak or simply type in text. These depend on how the group was setup by the creating user.
How much does Paltalk cost?? Paltalk offers 2 levels of service, the basic Paltalk service is free and is ad supported where the user receives pop up ads during paltalk sessions. The basic service allows the user to send streaming video however in order to receive streaming video you need to upgrade to Paltalk Plus which includes the ability to view up to six cams at once. Both levels offer voice communication. Paltalk Plus which costs about $39.00 a year offers ad free service and streaming video with up to 6 cams viewable. You can identify who has what level by the color of their nicknames. Basic users have black names whereas Paltalk users nicknames are in blue. Red names are Paltalk staff members.
Paltalk is a 3mb download, once installed you are required to register. Paltalk takes security seriously and a secret question and answer are requested, it is important to keep this info as you must have it in order to change your info or retrieve lost passwords. Paltalk offers live tech support, parental controls and the ability to create your own room (group) these features are provided to all users regardless of level chosen. Also provided are tools that allow the user to choose what info is available to others as well as who can communicate with them. Blocking unwanted users can be done with just a few clicks.
Groups, Groups and more Groups! The rooms on Paltalk are user created and called groups. Each group has a rating of G for general use, R for restricted for 18 and up and A for adult again 18 and over. The group is listed in the category closest to its subject. (music, social issues, computer hi tech ect) The user who created the group is known as the admin and is signified by a @ next to their name. (In Paltalk speak the @ is called a hat) The admin may allow others to have a hat within the group as well but is responsible for all in their group. Group admins may control the group as they desire and this includes how users communicate, voice or no voice, video ect. Admins may eject (bounce) users who create a problem or simply red dot (restricts a user from voice or text) a problem user. Paltalk staff does not as a rule get involved in disputes on how a room is run if it does not violate Paltalks terms of service However if a group has a high ratio of bounces their is a notice of this letting all who enter be aware of the issue. Some categories are quite volatile such as "Social Issues" while others are such as "Music" and "Make new friends" are more social in nature. Those who desire to use Paltalk for commerce can purchase a commerce room as well. If privacy is desired a user can create a temp private group which is not listed and available by invite only. Users can PM (private message) other users as well and have the ability to accept or decline PM's by changing their available status. File transfers are available however be warned that with millions of users one must be careful on accepting files and if you do have a anti virus checker running. Paltalk is not responsible for viruses as a result of file transfers.
Support on Paltalk is great, help rooms staffed by Paltalk staff (known as reds) is available around the clock in many languages. Reds are non paid volunteers who spent up to a year listening and learning before asked to join the support team. Group admins can request a red in their room should they have a issue that cannot be controlled by the admin tools provided. Paltalk provides special groups during holiday periods or when events in the world warrant it, these groups are run by the reds.
I suggest everyone experience Paltalk and see how much fun it can be. If users utilize the tools provided Paltalk can be experienced with a minimum of problems.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tannman1
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Member: Phil Georgi
Location: Oxnard, Calif
Reviews written: 34
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
DJ on Net Radio, Fix Pc's as well as writing and more...
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