Reprinted with permission from THiNK! magazine. Copyright 1997 Brian
Austin/THiNK! magazine.
Unauthorized duplication and or distribution is a violation of international copyright law.
For permission to use this document, please contact the author at paganzine@juno.com.
A Lesson in Netiquette Part One: Internet Relay Chat (IRC)In previous issues of this magazine, we've talked about the myriad of resources available to Pagans interested in finding information, and making connections with the internet. The internet is a cultural entity, and so, there are many unspoken rules of behavior that apply there. By breaking these rules unintentionally, people often make a poor impression on other, more astute, netizens.
The purpose of this series of articles is to help guide the unseasoned
internet user through the basics of courteous internet behavior. This
first article focuses on IRC, a real-time conversational medium available to anyone with internet access and the proper software. If you have internet access, but do not have software for the use of IRC, a quick web search for Mirc (PC) or IRCLE (MAC) should turn up many sites for a free trial download.
The IRC world is divided into networks. Each network consists of a group of host computers (servers) that allow people to communicate across them via IRC software. Each network is divided into channels, or rooms, in which people can talk. Once a channel is joined, everything that is typed can be read, much like a script, by everyone else in the channel. People may also have private, one-on-one conversations using special commands. As long as both parties are logged into the same network they need not be in the same room to speak privately with each other. It is also possible to be in more than one room simultaneously.
Each room in IRC is designated by a name. All channel names begin with #, which is generally followed by a single word or short phrase that gives some indication of the type of people and/or discussions that might exist within. For instance, Pagan oriented rooms on one network include; #Wicca, #Pagan_Tea_House, #Thelema, #Pagan and #Witchcraft. Most IRC networks carry a channel service called a bot. A bot is a computer program that allows for one group of people to police a room, deciding who can stay, who can speak, etc. The people given authority in the channel are called OPs. OPs are designated in a list of people on the channel by a @ in front of their nickname.
OPs are decided upon (in most cases) by the channel manager, who is the individual that registered the channel with channel service. The channel manager is responsible for, and essentially owner of, the room. In rooms without channel service, the channel manager is a temporary position, given to the first person to join a previously empty, or non-existent channel. If you join a channel that does not exist, it is created for you and you are given OP status within that channel. When the last person leaves the channel it disappears and the next person to join it would then re-create it, gaining OP status themselves. The function of the channel service is to keep the channel open, handing out OP status to a specific group of people.
OPs, and ultimately, the channel manager, if any, decide what is
acceptable behavior within a room. In most cases, the OPs will warn you if your actions are inappropriate, before taking action to remove you from the room. If inappropriate behavior continues, there are two ways in which the OP may respond.
The first is a KICK, and is the least destructive of the two. If you are KICKed by an OP, then you leave the channel forcibly. This is generally issued as a stronger warning, as it does not restrict you from returning to the channel. The second, more serious form punishment is called a BAN. If you are BANned by an OP then you are forcibly removed from the channel, and are not allowed to return. A BAN can last for as short as an hour, or indefinitely, depending on the severity of the infraction, and the demeanor of the OP.
Some ways to avoid being KICKed or BANned:
Try to avoid being offensive. Generally, debate is okay, but fighting may not be. Be calm and reasonable in expressing your disagreements.
Do not question the authority of the OPs. Within the confines of
their rooms the OPs have the final word. If you strongly disagree with
the behavior of an OP, then ignore it, leave the channel, or contact the channel manager to discuss it. Questioning the authority of an OP is much like arguing about the local laws with a police officer. It's not likely to win you any friends.
Don't "flood" the channel. Flooding is a term used to describe the
posting of excess amounts of text, or a repeated text, most often having little to do with the discussions occurring. If you have something relevant to post that is long-winded, ask in advance to see if people are interested in receiving it. If only a few people wish to receive the text, then it could be sent to them in private message, thereby avoiding clogging the channel.
Don't advertise. Unless the channel you are in is specifically
designed for the exchange of such advertisements, posting to a room with either a business advertisement or a request for people to join a
different room is generally frowned upon.
Stick to the topic. Though most channels are not strict about what
topics may or may not be discussed, there are generally some limits as to what is acceptable discussion. This is especially true of sexual and other intense topics. Most rooms that are not sexually oriented frown on sexual discussion, netsex, and propositioning. Likewise, most sexually oriented rooms frown on the discussion of other heated issues such as politics and religion.
Be excellent to each other. While in a room try to be helpful to
others that you can help and grateful to those that help you. Rules of
common courtesy generally apply.
Remember, it's only IRC. Try not to become too emotionally attached to the IRC world. Though the communication and friendliness can, at times, make IRC appear very real, it is still essentially a form of entertainment. People come and go without saying goodbye. People say things that are more brazen and hurtful than they would feel comfortable saying in real life. Some people even take on completely different personas online. The people on IRC should not become "real" to you until you have met, or at least talked over a telephone. Remember, it is very easy to hide your true identity and personality online, don't expect people to be what they seem if you do have an opportunity to meet them in person.
(As a side note, if you do intend to meet someone that you have chatted with on the internet, be sure to pick a safe environment for your meeting. Meet in a public place, within a group of people, or both. Though most people on the internet are "normal", "good" people, I strongly recommend giving yourself a chance to sum up a persons character in person before allowing yourself to be vulnerable in their company.)
Be humble. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Try to be open-minded and
allow others to voice their opinions. Find comfort in those that agree
with you and growth amongst those who do not.
There is no tone of voice and no facial expression in IRC. Pay
attention to signals of humor and sarcasm, (such as smiley faces :),
grins , and laughing LOL/ROFL) these can clue you in as to the tone of a statement and keep you from becoming unnecessarily offended. If someone says something that offends you, respond calmly, or let it go. Most people will not purposely try to offend others in IRC. If someone is obviously trying to offend you, you could bring it to the attention of an OP, or you could ignore them. (The command /ignore nickname all will prevent you from receiving anything from the individual whose nickname you specify.)
If you are KICKed or BANned, don't try to get around it. In most
cases pleading with OPs is not going to get a KICK or a BAN removed. If you are KICKed, and return behaving in the same way, or questioning the KICK, you will almost certainly be BANned. If you must return after a KICK, be polite, and careful. You have been warned. If you have been BANned, wait until the BAN is over. If you still feel the need to return, do so only in peace. There are thousands of rooms and many IRC networks, so if you don't like where you are, go someplace else. You might even try starting your own room.
Happy IRCing!
Brian Austin a.k.a. Scire/Flamingo
Channel Manager, Undernet #wicca
