This is an OPTIONAL addition to the WET campaign experience...no one is required to use Jabber to talk to HQ. This is an experiment to see if having a chat client active, with observers talking among themselves and with the staff at HQ, is useful for us.
To get started, go to Jabber.org and download a client for your computer. Make sure that you get a client that can do group chat; it's probably best to choose the client that has the most features as well. If you have Linux, then it is likely that you have Gaim, which will do Jabber chat. If you are visiting an observatory, you probably can install the client in your working directory and delete it before you leave; otherwise, just follow the directions for installation
Once you have the client installed, start it up! You may have to do some configuration to get things working, so check out the various preferences and settings for your client. For Linux users using Gaim, you will have to add the plugin for Jabber to enable Jabber chat (follow the Plugins button on the front page).
Once you have everything ready, set up an account, and use a name that will be easily recognizable to other WET participants. Be sure to use the Jabber protocol (if it isn't set by default). Then, it should be a matter of logging into the chat client (look for a button to "Sign On", "Log In" or similar). You must register with the Jabber server; this should be automatic, but you may have to tell your client to register. If your user name is taken, you will be asked to use a different one.
After logging in, look for an option called something like "Join a Chat!". This should ask you for a room to join, and possibly a server. For XCov 23, we will be using a room called XCOV23-CHAT; this name may change if we get unwanted visitors (unwanted visitors is one reason why we're not calling it the WET room :) ). The server should be conference.jabber.org. You may also be able to change your handle, but please use one that makes it clear who you are.
This is an experiment, so it's likely that there will be oddities and problems. Consider this an evaluation to see if instant messenging might be useful for the WET in the future. If you have difficulties with configuration or connection, contact Reed or HQ with questions.