2 problems with chatting about Programming:
1. Programming is slow and makes your brain hurt

therefore the chance of some1 wanting to answer a question you've just popped up INSTANTLY is a lot less than just replying to a question in forums they surf in their spare time.
2. The messages in Chatrooms are only temporary, and only the people in the room at that particular time can read them, and so the same questions would repeatedly come up and people would get bored. In forums, every message is archived so people can find the information anytime.
If you really have an urge to talk real time with some1 about DB many users are on MSN, Yahoo or ICQ messangers, so you could try that. I would guess most people don't liked to be bugged with 'on the spot' questions tho, especially when they are on the verge of a major coding breakthru, or chatting up a potential girlfriend
* If the apocalypse comes, email me

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