IRC Code of Conduct

As the Internet Relay Chat Networks are turning into an online society, a code of conduct has developed as in any real society. There are several things that you should know regarding acceptable behavior on IRC before getting started. This should prevent the user from alienating themselves from the IRC society.

• No Flooding - Flooding is the constant repetition of a statement thus making the channel hard to read.

• No Redundancy - If you have something to say, say it once. If you don't get a response, don't automatically assume that no one saw it and resend the message.

• No Channel Piracy - Do not try to take over someone else's channel.

• Mass Invites - Be careful with these. They can get annoying.

• Age/Sex/Location Check - Use these sparingly. Not everyone does, but you'll be glad you did.

• Capital Letters - Given the lack of audio on IRC, a sentence typed in all capital letters is viewed as screaming. If you're intent is not to be yelling a statement, don't use the caps lock.

• Identify Sarcasm - In real life we can tell when someone's kidding with us by the tone of their voice. We don't have that benefit on IRC. If you're going to be sarcastic, make sure you follow it up with one of the following:
  • :)
  • :-)
  • (Grin)
  • LOL (Laughing Out Loud)
  • ROTFL (Rolling On The Floor Laughing)
  • (Joke)
  • :P (Sticking out your tongue - be careful with this one!)
  • {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{NICK}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} (Hug)

• Be affectionate - Hugs are very acceptable forms of greeting between people on IRC.

• Don't get into a Flame War - The art of viscious attacks on people's comments (more commonly seen in USENET).

• Be appropriate given your surroundings - If your interest in life is cybersex, it is not anyone's job to to judge you on that. However, don't go into #gardening, for example, and start looking for people to "do it" with. You will earn enemies.

Don't be afraid of going out onto the IRC Networks. Its a great place to find discussions of any kind on any interest. Keep these tips in mind and learn as you go along. It is a whole new world - enjoy its exploration!