Tracking # users currently online

how do you do this?

[lauriepk]

I have a new web client who wants her site to display how many people are currently browsing online. We're not doing any kind of shopping cart software, etc- this is just basically a web brochure for her.

How would I do this? Is this a script or a product I need to purchase?

Thanks!

[webdoctor]

If I was you I'd talk her out of the idea :-) This kind of thing is simply a gimmick. You might as well add a random number generator script to show the number of visitors :-)

What value would this add for the visitor/customer?

[lauriepk]

Oh I totally agree- its worthless really. Its just something she saw on another boutique owners site and when one sees it they all have to have it. :)

I will just have to get a good reason why to not have it in her eyes and offer true stats instead. Thanks!