How to create a script to output the amount of users currently in an AIM chat?

[divino]

What I want to do is have the amount of people currently in an American Online Instant Messenger chat shown live on my forum and/or isolated webpage.

I have two seperate ideas.

The first one is to create an AIM Bot which runs off of a php file via internet. The bot could update a file each time users enter and leave the chat. In return a script would be made to show the updated amount of users and it could be inserted in a simple html script to appear.

The second idea which is 10 times more simplistic but not as effective, is to have a frame pop up before someone clicks on the AIM link via a website. Then a Live counting code could be inserted in that particular frame, however they would have to: 1) Keep that frame open while chatting and 2) invited members to the room would not show up on the script.

I like the first idea, so if any one could create or help me with various pieces in this scripting ordeal I would be highly appriciative.

Thanks

[Master_tee]

Well for your first idea, you have no idea how much server res. it would use, and bandwith on top of that..its like trying to stream game server content from a php file (lol i know it cant be done but thats a example) or making a irc bot in php with 0ms responce time your 2ed idea
you could use a .dat file to track the number of clicks but without making a new client for aim / hex editing it, it most likely wouldent be possible, you could always try programing a java app but that would take awhile ;)