First, I'm really glad to see the chat room up. I had to see it for my self.

Now my suggestion is holding events, mabey like for an hour or so have a set topic. Possibly with a main speaker on whatever the discussion is about. just an example, say hogfly could have the channel to go of on the topic of foresics or ids. Ideas could be passed really quick and even the lurkers could learn a lot.

Another suggestion, allow whois queries to display idle times, chances are if someones been idle for 2 or more hours likely their afk. Just thought I'd through this out there.