Info from Zynga Customer Support
Family Chat Feature FAQ
Get instant help from your Family with the improved version of instant messaging.
Q: When is this feature being released.
A: This feature will begin a limited release beginning on the evening of 07/19/2011.
Q: Why are new features released to a limited audience?
A: When we release a new feature into the game, we want to ensure that it does not create instability and functions in the way that it was intended. Although we try to release it to the wider audience as quickly as possible, it is imperative that we make sure that it will not interfere with your enjoyment of the game.
Q: How can I chat with friends?
A: In-game chat is available only to players who are in Families. You can chat with any member in your Family. Instant chat appears at the bottom of practically every page in Mafia Wars.
Q: I use a different IM application to chat with my Family. Why do I need to use the in-game chat?
A: We have included new chat features like player updates from your Family that link directly to notifications like wars, operations, or gifts needed.
Q: Can I paste in URLs into chat?
A: Currently, you cannot include hyperlinks into chat.
Q: Are these updates something I have to paste into chat or are they done automatically?
A: Player updates appear automatically in chat when you post feeds or send requests.
Q: What type of player updates are available in chat?
A: There are 10 types of updates, which come in 3 different colors: red for help, green for sharing rewards, and blue for requesting items.
Q: What are the player updates that get posted in chat?
A: Whenever you post a Facebook feed or send a request to your Mafia, the following updates will appear in chat for your Family to see: Declare War, asking for help when an opponent has declared war on you, operations, adding a rival to hitlist, help for social jobs, level up rewards, operations rewards, requests for properties parts, requests for energy packs, and requests for collection items.
Q: If I request help from Family members who are not a Facebook friend or in my Mafia, will they still be able to help?
A: Yes. As long as they click the link from the in-game Family chat, they can rush to your aid. Family members who are not in your Mafia can help you in Declare War, but may be unable to claim rewards.
Q: Outside of the group chat, can I chat with individual Family members?
A: Yes. You can chat with as many members as you want. The chat histories of up to five different people are saved so you can keep up with what Family members were saying while you were away.
Q: I don’t want all of the player updates. Can I change the settings?
A: Yes. You can choose which notices you want to appear in player updates.
Q: Can I block individual Family members’ updates?
A: Yes. You can manually choose to block just a member’s updates. If you block a member, you will not be able to receive or send chats or view their updates.
Q: How do I know when someone has sent me an instant message?
A: A blue icon with a chat bubble appears at the top of page. It will inform you when members are online or when someone has sent you an IM.
Q: The chat is at the bottom of the screen and it’s a pain to scroll up to do my jobs or fights. How can I do both?
A: You can pop out the chat into its own window to view your instant messages and player updates. You can continue doing your jobs or icing players while not missing any important Family news.
Q: Is there a character limit in chat?
A: Currently, you can send up to 86 characters at a time.
