I am all about the chat, we do it for our Pilot group, its not as used during the summer.
I have kept a #DAMNriders room open on the IRC (internet chat relay) EFnet server for the last couple of months, its, old school tested and true, easy to leave on and doesnt draw system resourses. Our group just leaves it on and makes randon comment from time to time, that way you dont have to be dedicated to sitting in front of theputer, you can type a few lines and keep on keeping on, plus when a couple guys are on its easy to see that and spark up a conversation.
try it and see if you like it
http://www.mirc.com download and install, then pick your Server as
EFnet and the room channel is
#DAMNridershope to see someone there