VassarChat open as tool to communicate and procrastinate

John Palmer Features Editor

Move over Vassar gossip servers: there’s a new tool to keep in touch with students, network with alumni, and, of course, procrastinate. Vassarchat.com exists for students and alumni to explore a number of different communication avenues and discuss all sorts of different interests, from academics to culture to a risqué “In the Bedroom” forum.

Alumni Benjamin Horst ’99 and Gabe Anderson ’99 started the website as a hope to connect “the current student population and the alumnae network.” The site, which opened on April 5, 2004, contains 550 posts as of Jan. 28. “[VassarChat] provides a community for both [student and alumni] groups to socialize within their own group, as well as to reach out and meet others from different generations and in different geographical locations,” Horst said. Different groups of people all have the same access.

Among its more popular forums are “Politics,” “Culture,” “People,” “Computing,” and “Reunions,” which speak to the diverse interests and demographics to which VassarChat caters. Its forum format makes all of these different conversations organized and easily accessible. “It will be whatever the community makes it,” said Anderson. “We’ve put the infrastructure in place and would love to see it go to the next level—a vibrant, active place with a connection to or interest in Vassar to come together and exchange ideas.”

Currently, VassarChat is not affiliated with the College administration, and it is not likely the College will subsume the site. “We are open to collaboration [with administration] as long as we remain independent, nimble, and free to follow the paths we choose.” The Development Office has expressed interest in the site and the Alumnae and Alumni of Vassar College runs a similar site to keep alumni in touch.

The site is funded through Anderson’s web hosting business.

VassarChat is not monitored for content. Although the moderators will delete any computer advertisements, they will not censor users’ speech or ideas.

“It’s tough to predict how VassarChat will grow, as we allow it a great deal of freedom,” said Horst. In one regard, it might be used to help attract prospective students to the College.

For now, though, the site is up and fully active for Vassar students and alumni to join. Procrastinate your heart out.