Am I doing chat rooms right?

I find the chat room confusing. I admit I have no chat room experience other than this one.

I love the idea of a chat room: more personal communication, no restrictions to a Q&A format.

My problem is that when I go in, there may be one or more conversations going on. I feel rude and weird starting a new one. I have trouble following multiple strands. It’s not like the chat room has booths to go off into, after all.

I usually give up after a short, awkward-feeling (to me, anyway) exchange and leave.

Any pointers would be appreciated.