To others, it brings chills to there spine. Chilling memories of a successful endeavor, memories of "what if they keep going??", memories of exponetial growth, memories of the little Chat that could...

These chills brought so much fear that they rallied to destroy it. They brought high-priced attornies, low life, DMCA quoting, scum of the earth lawyers, script kiddies galore, and wannabe hackers. But Babbleon fought back! Using the power of the internet, they swiftly moved through the night from one valley to the next, seeking protection where they could find it. Patches were added to the server to circumvent hacker attacks, and firewalls were put up to ward off the script kiddies DDOS attacks.

But alas it was not to be... Like the battle of jericho, its walls slowly started crumbling under the massive stomps of unlimited resources, and tireless 24/7 attacks from its enemies. Funds ran low as server moves, high bandwidth use, and setup costs racked up amazing amounts of bills. Unable to keep back the tidal onslaught of the wolves, babbleon had no choice but to shut down.

A lack of resources was the immediate problem that kept babbleon from rising. even if temporarily. A quick fund raising drive was held, but it was to little, to late. As many chat entities have found out the hard way, people love to chat, but they dont want to pay for it. Especially not if they cant immediately enter and use it.

One of the primary reasons for the lawyers having any success in getting Babbleon shut down was the fact that the proprietary server software emulated a patented existing server. Chatters could then use the old existing chat client software to enter into the Babbleon chat world. The Babbleon programmer/owner decided that the answer to most of the problems, was to create our own client software for use with babbleon chat.

This would entail an entirely new system, including an all new chat server and client, an all new protocol, and a whole new software architechure design. As any programmer will tell you, creating a good 2-dimensional chat system that is secure and worth using is a MASSIVE undertaking for a *team* of programmers. We had ONE, that was eventually joined by another, making a total of 2 programmers working to create a chat system worthy of use by Babbleon chatters.

Time constraints, design delays, over-tinking of security and underlying server engines, perfectionist coding habits, real life issues, lack of monetary funds, and a host of other problems caused the release date to be moved back, not months but eventually years. People started to lose faith, and move on to other areas to chat. The chat project has seriously faltered and now lays untouched for months on 6 different hardrives on 4 different computers, and 5 CD's for redundant backup purposes.

The chat project is divided into several different sections and is overall about 50% to beta release (or a useable state). Among the most complete is the client (about 3/4 to a useable state) with the least complete being the main chat server.
So, the question remains... "Why havent you completed the chat?"

Answers:

1) As mentioned, life issues and time constraints. The chat project is a hugely complicated project that requires dedicated concentration and effort to stay focused on the inner workings of it. Design, invention, and to implementation is a arduous process and not for the faint or weak of heart.

2) Lack of funds. Because of lack of funds, jobs must be maintained, taking away time from the developing process.

3) Gradual lack of interest, and diversions into other areas of programming. The primary programmer (me) has developed interests in other fields and areas of programming. As the window of time moves on, the end resulting product and its definite success grows less and less. Therefore making the effort required to complete the project and its subsequent rewarding satisfaction of a completed project, very questionable.

4) Changes in internet social habits and WEB 2.0, The 3 cornerstones of the internet used to be chat, email, and websites. Now social sites such as myspace, facebook, twitter, blogs, rss feeds and a myriad of other things are replacing traditional chat and social interaction on the 'net.

These are just a few of the primary reasons that babbleon chat is on the back shelf. Is it totally over and dead? No... with proper motivation, and funds it is still possible that work may continue in the future, for no other reason than being able to say, "we did it!" but dont hold your breath... For as of now, it is over.

To those of you who have supported babbleon with your time, moral and financial support, we say thank you! To those of you who still hope, or care, we say... Sorry, if we let you down, we hope you can understand.

babbleon.net will stay online, for now, until such time it can be revived, or until it needs to be shut down. The forums will remain online also as long as the site is online.

Regards,
Lewis (aka deth, dethbomb), Viper, Boo, and the Babbleon Staff

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