For the first time in our 12 year history, we'll be bringing you some of our Chat Month guests via live streaming audio.

Just like our regular chats, you'll log into a chat room at the scheduled time. To the left of the chat room, you'll see a black "video" box. If it says "on the air," click the small black arrow to start the stream. (For some users, this will happen as soon as they enter the chat room.)

If it says "off the air," as in the above image, that means there is no streaming guest chat at that time.

During our special guest chats, there will be hosts, designated by a "PH" in front of their names as well as a red flag next to it, letting you know how to ask questions and helping you with any connection problems.

To participate, you may ask questions or comment via your keyboard during the chat. Our hosts wil endeavor to give the guest every opportunity to respond to your questions and comments.

A hint to make your questions more visible is to use the Bold Face icon on the tool bar just above the text window. Just type your question between the two boxes ([b]type here[/b]) and enter.

If you cannot hear the streaming audio

Streaming audio requires a high speed internet connection and speakers, although some of our beta testers were able to listen on dial-up. However, it's not reliable.

Chatters using America Online to access the internet will need to sign onto AOL, minimize the program, and use a fully-featured version of Firefox or Internet Explorer to access the chat, as AOL's customized browser is not compatible with our streaming audio.

Audio chats will be available for downloading in podcast form within a day or two of the event.