ICQ-style forum meetup chat
Show two members of an old hobby forum arranging their first meeting in person. Open the sample, change the hobby and export the window.
Try it: start from this sample
The forum friendship angle
Before apps, many friendships began on hobby forums and moved to a private message session once people liked each other. The ICQ-style window is a natural fit for that step: from public thread to one private conversation. Our sample starts with a recognition line, one person identifying the other by their famous thread.
Making the meetup specific
Pick a hobby with visible objects, such as model trains, birdwatching or retro computers, and let the box, the scarf or the station do the storytelling. Safe meeting details also reassure the audience: a public hall, a daytime hour, a clear way to recognise each other. Do not invent addresses or real venues. Worked example: if the first line recognises a thread, the second can answer with the offer, the third can settle how to spot each other, and the fourth can close with the carried box, so every message moves the plan one step.
Look settings
The sample uses the dark scheme for contrast on a presentation slide. In the ICQ-style look the timestamps have seconds, which helps a quick back and forth feel immediate. No typing line is available here, so keep each reply self-contained, finishing the thought in one message.
Plan and clarity
This look needs the Standard plan, and the Free plan exports a PNG of the first four messages with a visible watermark. ChatsRat is not affiliated with the original service, which has ended or changed. Call the finished piece simulated and keep both people invented.
Tips
- Start with a recognition line tied to something the forum member was known for.
- Choose a hobby with a carried object so the ending line can use it.
- Mention a public, daytime meeting place in general terms, never a real address.
- Finish each message as a full thought, since this look has no typing line.
- Give the last line a small joke to land the warm ending.
Questions
Can I name a real forum?
It is better not to. Keep forum, venue and people invented so nothing can be mistaken for a real record or point to a real group.
Does the look show a forum or buddy list?
No. It draws a single message session window. The forum is something the dialogue describes.
Which plan includes this look?
The ICQ-style look is on the Standard plan. Free loads the first four messages of a sample and exports a PNG.
Is dark mode available?
Yes, light and dark both exist. The sample uses dark. Pick whichever contrasts with your slide or video background.
Is this the original program?
No. ChatsRat is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the original service, which has ended or changed. The window is original artwork.
Use it for simulated, labelled content. ChatsRat makes mock-ups and fictional conversations for creators, designers and teachers. Do not use it to pass off a made-up conversation as a real one, to impersonate a real person, or as proof of anything. See the Acceptable Use policy.
About the watermark. Exports on the Free plan carry a visible ChatsRat watermark, and every export carries an invisible mark that the verify page can read. Plans list what changes on paid plans.
ChatsRat is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any messaging app. App names on this page describe a style only.