A web site is a canvas. You paint, and visitors touch. If all you want to show is one frame of video, which is a static image, that is your prerogative. If the

A web site is a canvas. You paint, and visitors touch. If all you want to show is one frame of video, which is a static image, that is your prerogative. If the goal of your canvas is to get people to socialize, then it is to your advantage to minimize friction when people attempt to socialize. Why make your audience wait for the show they are there to see? In your question you have elevated the importance of real-time chat above that of posting and commenting, but I say all these concepts are the same. It's just engagement. Invert the question: Under what circumstances should you delay your audience from the goal of your canvas?