diff --git a/main.js b/main.js
index c0645c7b..3600df45 100644
--- a/main.js
+++ b/main.js
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ window.CHAT_MIN_RANGE = 6;
 window.VIEWPORT_PAD_RATIO = 0.3;
 
 // how many items to request each query
-window.CHAT_PUBLIC_ITEMS = 200;
+window.CHAT_PUBLIC_ITEMS = 50;
 window.CHAT_FACTION_ITEMS = 50;
 // how many pixels to the top before requesting new data
 window.CHAT_REQUEST_SCROLL_TOP = 200;