there have been IRC groups around various crypto related endeavors. I personally like IRC BUT you will need to Moderate it heavily. You can see how abusive people become in here, and they supposedly had plenty of time to think, compose, and consider what they post first.

I'd participate if the name calling were to be minimised. And the trolling. And the shilling. And the...you get the point.

Let us know when its up and running, or maybe make it invite only? maybe a newbie jail to see if they can behave? Trolls can be amusing, but they are not constructive.