Eddie, you are the "owner" of this site. Personally, I think you do an "awesome cool job".
I have to say, I talk to most everyone here. I also talk to most that have left too.
Today, I was talking to "Bobby Joe" awhile. Now her reason for leaving was simple. She left for "facebook". Her reasons were this... "On facebook". There, she could write thoughts, as well as have a "realtime" chat. She left, because the "real chat" isn't here.
Personally, I am doing all I can to get the "chat" going. I also agree with her.. on your end you need to do more.
The "consensus" here (from most I listen too).. is the "chat is major important. I fully think we can bring people in. But we DO need to see it supported more on the main page. If you give it more "credence", I promise we will also.
Gary