Bryan J

I want to make a website that provides an integrated message board / chat room. In other words - you can either chat on a topic interactively, or post message board messages. I plan to use javascript to make the chat interface interactive.

What is the best programming language or environment to implement this?

I was planning on using Ruby on Rails, but then wondered if there was a better environment. I'm worried about the performance if several hundred people are chatting all at once (in multiple chat rooms).

Also, don't just tell me a good way to do this - please also tell me *why*. Thank you!

Your help is greatly appreciated.

As documented at http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-kQw6eUU1fqPCFNg5CiS...

My 13 year old is not motivated to do anything in school. His standardized test scores are at or above grade level, but, he's getting F's. He was not motivated last year, and this year is worse. At school he sits there and does not work. His interests are friends, computer games and TV. I've tried punishment/rewards and other things, but I haven't been able to make them work.

Your success story with your son (or daughter) would mean a lot to me.