Hi, I think I've found the solution.

Eliminate this from the while: @chat" !~ /$ID\s$kill/ and place it right below the cond_wait:

    while( 1 ) {
    lock(@chat);
    cond_wait(@chat);
    last unless ( "@chat" !~ /$ID\s$kill/ );
    lock($Elm);
    ...
[download]

This way even the last 'chatter' deletes his Writer.

But still I don't really understand what is happening,
carl