Whenever I try to chat or browse hosts I get no response. The host may have firewall but then why is chat function shown?

I'm trying to chat with people who obviously have the same taste in music and set up swap shops as it's pretty obvious that people don't always share everything they have. I have a huge collection but only share a fraction to cut down connection and refresh times. I'm prepared to share the whole collection but only to others of like mind.

What is the best way to go about this?

Thanks

Moscow01

Post your entire collection, and watch your hits column in the library. If they stay zero for more than 15 or so minutes, people aren't seeing them.
If it goes up to like 10 or 20 something within minutes, many people are seeing it, and you shouldn't have to worry at all.
If they all go up by one suddenly at the same time, someone is browsing your collection.
You can be the judge if you are getting activity though.