Liz, I got into those chats a couple of times, I think one was before MINT. They are definitely a challenge for someone like me (VERY late 50's in age) My brain could not process the stuff as quickly as they were keying new messages, and I type like a fiend. Too overwhelming for me. I try to make reasoned responses, and by the time I wrote one, I was way behind in the discussion. I like the message boards, that way, you try not to say anything stupid, and if you do, you can always delete, edit to your hearts content. So much discussion goes on before group cruises, I see no reason for them other than for the fun of it, sort of like a pep rally before a big game in high school, so they do serve a purpose. Another thing, we are here to help new cruisers, and most of them are lurkers (just look at the member list and see how many have never posted). They would not be likely to visit or participate in these chats. Karen, does any "new" information get imparted on these chats? I gave up on both tries.