serious chess

Should we all take chess serious? or relax and enjoy the game and the company?

I find I am a socialble person that enjoys to talk while playing. I will respect others that do not respond when I talk and then keep quiet but  how serious should we take the game?

in OTB games i dont think chatting is good and would rather not, unless it is a coaching game of course.

In correspondence chess games, like here, however i personally do enjoy and appreciate good chat and chuckles. It doesnt disturb the game, but can enhance it or simply be enjoyable or interesting.

On turn-based chess, I like chatting and being friendly. If anything, the conversation helps fill the gap between moves.

On live chess it's another story. I have massive time control issues (which I'm trying to improve), and I need every second. If someone's trying to chat me up during a 10 minute game, I usually say something like, Sorry, need to concentrate. Want to give you the best game I can. 

 Of course, sometimes the chatter's intended to distract me. In that case I say nothing. Absolutely nothing. That tends to intimidate the intimidater.

don't really understand what the problem is with people chatting here during games

if you want to ignore it you can, it's not like there's sound or anything

i know that some people say that it distracts them, but i really don't see how. click on the "Moves" tab if chat really annoys you 

 actually jon there is a link to disable chat but once disabled it is gone for the remainder of the game

ahhha i like yer comment, neospooky, about playing in the park.. *chuckles*

Ah that we had the weather here fer regular open air play..

Same with me Jasn, im terrible with time though i find it hard to ignore people totally.. would be a good idea. I'm one of those players with their head in their hands trying to block out all distractions heh.