We were recently frozen in a chat room for being too off topic, and because I suggested it. (Oops) I do think it is a good idea overall, but it needs some work.
The feature is intended to get discussion going back in the right direction, which is why it was used here. A few people began talking about Star Craft 2 (understandably), and the room was frozen.
There are a few things that I would change about the current implementation:
problems http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3604/timeoutt.png
Green Box:
The message given was not helpful. "The room does not exist, or you do not have access - retry / cancel." Here is what went throug hmy head
What, why can't I chat now? Ok, retry, what, same message...hmmm, I must have been banned, or the room got deleted.
This should be giving a different message. "This room has been frozen for X
seconds because it has strayed off topic. You may want to move to this room instead: ..." Or something like that.
Red Box:
Ok, timeout.
Well, what exactly does that mean? Why was I pointed to a different room? I don't wanna go to a tavern... When can I get back to chatting about "Chat Feedback"? (the topic of the room)
This needs to give more information. Or give a link to the FAQ that has that information.