How can we create a community discussion function on a squarespace website?

Hi all,

my client is interested in creating a function in their members site where members can chat to each other in a continuous thread. 

The website publishes course content and members would be invited to chat one another about the course throughout in a space on the course introduction page.

I thought plugging in a community/employee engagement app like Slack so its interface is embedded on that intro page might be possible.

Has anyone tried or succeeded at this? Anyone have any ideas or guidance?

https://pigeon-flatworm-tkrl.squarespace.com/

Many thanks!

Hi I actually helped a client with this! You can create a host a circle community and directly embed it onto your website. It does have a cost to it but it would be a great solution for what you're looking for. https://circle.so/

All of these community options are so pricey! I really don't understand why the membership section doesn't have some sort of chat or at least messaging. Hasn't anyone found an affordable way to integrate engagement and discussions in their squarespace site?

You create a closed, Facebook group, embed the link in a block on your site. 

Closed Facebook groups are more private than public groups, as only approved members can view the group's content. Anyone can still see the group's name, description, and member list, but to join the group, a user must be invited by a current member or approved by an administrator.

Like a connected forum group, the discussion is not on your site but tied to it and will not cost anything. 

I have a closed FB group I will try this, thank you. 

Couldn't you just create a blog page inside the member site and use "blog posts" to post threads that people can "comment" on aka leave responses to?  Haven't done this but this is what I'm thinking of doing.  Has anyone tried it?