This is what I get when I try to log on to the chat.
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[23:38] Connecting...
[23:38] Logging in...
[23:38] -- *** Looking up your hostname...
[23:38] -- *** Found your hostname, welcome back
[23:38] -- *** Checking ident
[23:39] -- *** No identd (auth) response
[23:39] Error : Closing Link: 127.0.0.1 (Connection Timed Out)
[23:39] Disconnected from chat.freenode.net

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And . . . yes I know why!
It is because I have a nickname that is already in use by somebody else on freenode. This means that everybody with a 'normal' nickname, instead of something like 'Thi67DFr6%' will find it impossible to log on.
To bad. I like to chat and would even change my nick for that but, to bad . . . you can only log on with your SRP nick can't you?!
If the chat set-up stays like this then I find it is better to just keep the chat box on the front page and get rid of the tab indicated 'chat'.
Just my opinion.
Is somebody still looking for a better solution for the chat??