appropriate: Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
Most importantly the Tcl'ers Chat is about Tcl. It is much like a place of business. In fact most of the people seem to use the chat from/for work. It's preferred that people not talk about personal things. Anything emotional is probably inappropriate. Most of the Internet is like this, and although it leads to a soulless feeling, it gets work done. Hence jokes are often inappropriate. Talk about Tcl. If you get upset with another person, remember that all that matters in the chat is Tcl.
If you need "friends" or want to make friends that are Tcl'ers try something else.
The chat is not a good place to discuss things like radically new improvements to Tcl/Tk. This often results in hurt feelings or flame wars. Use comp.lang.tcl for such things, because it allows a slower form of communication, and you may find more support. If you don't find support there, then do the improvements yourself and fork Tcl and/or Tk.
RS 2004-05-01: Of course the contents and "look and feel" of the chat depends directly on the persons present (and whether they are busy or relaxed). But not to forget, one feature of the Tcl chatroom is to offer quick Tcl help in very short time, which many newbies have experienced over time. I like it that sometimes very exotic topics are discussed, and occasionally the language shifts, like recently to Italian, for an hour or so. I mostly just feel at (virtual) home in the Tcl chatroom.
SS 2004-05-02: I agree with the RS vision of the chat content. I want just to add that being the chat something related to "individuals", it's better if the original author of this page signs the first part. At least we will know that this is what he want the chat is. If he will not do so, I'll remain with the doubt that maybe he considers off-topic every content that may decrease his ability to be able to get help for his paywork related problems.
LV that initial paragraph surely doesn't match my understanding of the chat - I find the chat to be a wonderful place that allows a range of discussions from personal (we've had discussions of lunch plans and tragedies) to technical (designing tkchat in real time) to nonsensical. small group (to even one on one) chats with others in public, it drowns out the ability for people to participate in the group gestalt.
SRIV When chit-chatting, I think its sufficient to have the courtesy to yeild to a technical discussion without having to ban or discourage chit-chat. Its called netiquette.
CL is with RS, LV, et al., in having a more inclusive view of what's appropriate for the chat.
The wheel is spinning but the hamster is dead.
May one become emotional about Tcl? Make jokes about upvar?
Stu I propose harsh penalties for any mention of 'libtool'.