Pardon the geek-speak:
vBulletin has released the beta version 3.0 (latest version is 2.3.2). Some user groups are installing it on their sites. Version 3.0 does not have 'chat' features. There is talk on the vbulletin user boards of adding chat to 3.1.
Since this software is open source, features such as chat can be developed on any vBulletin site. So if you know a good PERL developer and some time on his/her hands, contact Sand Flea.
However, this may add to bandwdth, not much, but still can add up. Depending on the ISP that SF has, he gets a limit per month, then incremental charges start to add up (similar to cell phone usage per month).
So like FL Fisherman suggested, if you want to chat or IM one of your fishin buddies, just add them to your current chat list. In the user profiles, you can add your ICQ, AOL and Yahoo names.
Man, I'm a geek!
