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Webchat FAQs

On Webchats

Q: What are webchats?
A: Webchats are online, text-based discussions that allow audiences outside the United States to interact with American citizens on wide range of topics. Please refer to the Upcoming Chats area on the USINFO Webchat homepage for future webchats.

Q: Who are the guest speakers in a webchat?
A: U.S. government and private sector subject experts, academics, journalists, and everyday citizens are brought on as guests to do webchats on USINFO.

Q: How long is a webchat?
A: A webchat typically lasts for one hour, though chats need not be limited to this timeframe it depends on the availability of the speaker and the nature of the program.

Q: What types of webchats are there? What does a closed chat mean?
A: On USINFO, there are two types of webchats: open and closed chats.
1. Open chats: As the title implies, these are open to the general public. The only limitation is one imposed by the software and the time available by the speaker to answer questions. All users may register for the chat until the size limit is reached.
2. Closed chats: A closed chat indicates that only a selected group of users (e.g. journalists) are invited to register for the chat. Typically, the transcript for a closed chat will be made available for public viewing after the chat on the USINFO Webchat homepage.

On Background Information

Q: Where can I find out about the guests on the webchat?
A: For more information on webchat guests, please refer to your selected webchat's homepage. A short biography on the guest is included at the bottom of the page after the webchat overview.

Q: Where can I find related articles and stories to the webchat topic?
A: For related articles and stories, please refer to your selected webchat's homepage. On the page, there will be a "Related Items" box under which you will be able to find articles and links courtesy of USINFO.

Q: Where can I view previous webchat transcripts?
A: Previous select webchat transcripts will be available on the USINFO webchat archive page.

On Minimum Requirements for Webchat

Q: What are the minimum computer requirements for a webchat?
A: To participate you only need a computer with Internet access and a browser. There is no special software to be downloaded, so any apprehension related to security on your LAN has been addressed.

On Entering the Webchat

Q: Why can’t I enter a chat?
A: There are a number of reasons why you might not be able to enter a chat.
1. The chat is closed to the public (the transcript will be made available following the event).
2. Your computer does not meet the minimum requirements for a webchat. Please refer to the FAQs section "On Minimum Requirements for Webchat."

Q: I have entered a chat but there is no text there. What is going on?
A: The webchat has not started yet. Please check the time and time zone and return back to the chat upon its commencement. Alternatively, you may submit questions for a chat prior to the chat's start.

Q: I have entered an ongoing chat but nothing seems to be going on. What should I do?
A: To see the most up-to-date text, please click on the tab marked "View Discussion". The webchat has started if you see the guest speaker's opening statement and/or other posts in the view discussion screen. Please be patient as our guest types his/her answers to the submitted questions.

On Submitting Questions

Q: How do I ask a question?
A: You may submit a question using the webchat tool before and during the chat.
1. Before the chat: Submit your questions by entering the web chat and posting a question to the moderator.
2. During the chat: Type in your question in the space provided on the webchat tool under the tab marked "Submit Question or Comment."

On Having Your Question Answered

Q: Why hasn't the guest answered my question?
A: Unfortunately, due to the large volume of questions that are typically sent to the speaker, not all questions can be answered due to time constraints.

On Chatting with Others

Q: Can I send messages to other chat participants?
A: Most often no, however in select webchats the moderator may encourage participants to introduce themselves to the group and contact each other using the "comment" option.

Q: How do I send a message just to the Guest and not for the chat room?
A: Unfortunately, the Guest is not able to receive or respond to individual messages outside of the chat room.

Q: How do I send a message to the Moderator?
A: If you need to send a message other than a question to the moderator, please type your message and submit your comment to the moderator through the Submit Comment or Question tab.

On Feedback and Comments

Q: Where can I make a comment or suggestion?
A: Please submit your comments and suggestions to USINFOWebchat@state.gov. Your feedback is very important to us.

Q: Whom do I contact if I have additional questions?
A: If you want to learn more, please go to our USINFO Webchat homepage or contact us at USINFOWebchat@state.gov

On USINFO

Q: What is IIP?
A: The Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) is the principal international strategic communications service for the foreign affairs community. IIP designs, develops, and implements a variety of information initiatives and strategic communications programs, including Internet and print publications, traveling and electronically transmitted speaker programs, and information resource services. These reach--and are created strictly for--key international audiences, such as the media, government officials, opinion leaders, and the general public in more than 140 countries around the world.

Q: What is USINFO?
A: As the US Department of State's premier public website for overseas users, http://usinfo.state.gov is the central source of information regarding US foreign policy. Unlike other federal websites that provide information about a single topic or agency, USINFO provides a wealth of materials, some 100,000 documents, on all aspects of current US foreign policy. Users find documents regarding trade, strategic developments with allies, statements from diplomats on negotiations, White House statements, magazine-style articles on aspects of American culture—and much, much more, updated seven days a week in seven languages. More than 25,000 viewers read USINFO a day.