(usually when I post something like this, I am referring to the night in which I posted the thread)
Members don't normally idle on the chat, if one just signs on randomly it isn't likely to be very lively. If anyone would like people to sign into the chat at a certain time, make a thread in an obvious place inviting people. They'll usually come, and more will usually come for a general chat if spontaneous than if it's planned ahead of time