Suggestions

why don't you guys put a chatbox,and some widgets.If you don't know how,I'll tell you.

For Chatbox:
Admin Panel > Modules > Chatbox > Configuration

For widgets:
Admin Panel > Modules > Portal & Widgets > forum widgets management

explore it but I would suggest putting the login on the right side because if you have logged in it shows your private messages,your posts and your avatar.

Just use my website as an example

I've considered widgets I just always end up opting for the new sections and user groups and never get around to it.

I'll see what I can do.