Shoutbox

In KeyStorm's reply to [Suggestion] (FAQ's Option) I suggested a way to include short and targeted help pieces to make the users discover features in Plus!. I thought this may be the best appealing way to have users read the instructions.

I've compiled a simple concept art of the feature:



Ideas:

• The icon (which _needs_ to look better than that) should have a smooth blinking animation that would attract users attention but wouldn't annoy when looking at the window.
  
  
• The balloon would appear when the icon is pressed
  
  
• After quitting the tip by pressing on the exit button or just clicking outside it the icon would disappear until next day (or next reboot)
  
  
• Tips (and their respective translations) would be maintained online and be periodically grabbed by Messenger Plus! making it easier to manage. There could be a group of people who would keep updating and profiling the tips list. If users don't allow Plus! to access the net (using a firewall) the icon won't appear at all
  
  
• Optionally: The first time it is shown, a ballon could automattically pop up suggesting the user to regularly click on the icon to read interesting tips and tricks. This would also allow users to disable the feature like they can do from any other tip.

Well, i heard some people supporting the idea, so I thought I would give it a somewhat more accurate description.

Good idea, although i dont use the side bar in the convo.

i like that idea a whole lot good job

is all I can say

Would be cool, I have been using msg Plus for a fewe yrs now, and still only use the /away , /online etc.. commands

Nice job

Great Idea KS this would be helpful for lots of users

I really like that idea, gives new users the chance to learn about the cool features that Plus! has to offer.

Certainely is a great idea KS, would love to see it implemented.

Well, it's a good idea KS

But i have a question, if you click on the balloon, what would happen?, will disappear or will open a windows browser to the official website?

Looks good . I hope Patchou will implement it.

Nah... I suppose it sholdn't do anything. However there should be some tips that linked to the forums (which should be localized for each language, also the URL), to the FAQs, even to the petition as a temporary event.
That would be possible using remote tips, which would allow to add and remove tips within days.

Also, there may be a quotient of relevance which would boost a tip to show faster than others.