After the recent problems with spam in the shout box on the site portal, we've been working to find a new way to accomodate a chat system with more control and features for users and the admin to use. We've now implemented a new instant messaging service that is available to all site members. Just click the Chat box under the Resources section on the left of the screen on to enter the Chat feature.

Why not give it a test and say hi to other site users?