Most often, if there is a problem connecting, you simply need to reload the chat room's web page to try again. Sometimes, there is already another chatter using the name you chose. A warning window will popup and inform you to choose another name. If the Java client continually fails to connect, most likely you are behind a firewall or proxy server which prevents the type of connection needed to link to the chat server. The name list on the right side list all the users currently in a chat room.
Hosts have the ability to control functions of a chat room.
Some hosts are available to help you with any problems you are having with chatting. Participants are users with the ability to speak in a chat room. This ability is given to all entering users within the first 30 seconds of connecting. All messages sent to the chat room should be entered into the message box located in the bottom center. After you have connected to the chat server most status messages appear in the chat window.