People line up around the block to get an autograph and a chance to say a few words to a writer they admire. Bookstores do this because they know it generates traffic and increases sales. Also consider the popularity of local seminars offered on some hot topic of business or personal interest. The expert may offer this as a vehicle for promoting their own goods and services, or on behalf of a company sponsor. Online businesses who use chat for special events know it pulls potential buyers to their sites and generates revenue.
Some businesses are even finding that chat itself is a revenue generating opportunity.
The WELL, 3DO and WebGenesis all charge members a monthly or yearly fee to participate on one or more of their chat rooms. Online stock brokers such as Trading Places, Inc. use ChatSpace to fuel their fee-based online day trading service. Professional groups, schools, universities, churches, sports teams and many others routinely use chat as a means to communicate to and build ties with their membership. Turnout for regular chat events can be higher than live events, since chat can be scheduled at times when it might not otherwise be easy to arrange a meeting place. Transportation time and expense are also eliminated.