ChatX History
From ChatX Wiki
Written by PJKevin (pjkevin@chatx.net) on 17 March 2007
Revised by heimdall (heimdall@chatx.net) on 28 August 2008
Contents |
Introduction and History
This document will explain on how ChatX was formed and developed since its birth till today. A network can only exist with proper structural system and the right people to man it. As you can see from this document, running an IRC Network is not easy but hard work pays off.
ChatX was founded by Area51 way back in mid-1999 as an alternative to the rushed ones like EFnet, Undernet and DALnet. Area51 wanted the network to be named ichat.org but when he went to purchase the domain, it wasn't available anymore. The same name then gave him the idea of ChatX. WolfGanG who managed the PCs at the college started working together expanding the network both technically and its userbase. Bit by bit, the network grew even though there were run arounds.
ChatX gained a substantial userbase in 2003, peaking around 2,930 concurrent connections. The user count then slowly declined due to ongoing DDoS attacks, and has never really recovered. The network is currently populated by a stable population of 300 regular users, peaking around 500 during high-use times, with a large population of Filipino and European users.
The network underwent major changes between 2005 and 2006 where the entire network was revamped with a new staffing system and whole change to our servers and services. Technical changes made included migration of the IRCd from Bahamut to FQIRCd and also migration of Anope Services to Sirv for improved security and additional features. However, in early 2007, ChatX decided to develop its own services which is in the developing stages currently coded by srd. Administrative changes were made in the chain of command. The network’s governing body is now Executive Board- EB (formerly known as Network Oversight Committee).
Today; after 9 years of hardwork, the network continues to shine thanks to the hardwork and dedication of its staff members (opers and non-opers) and past contributors.
Network Administration
The network administration is formed in the following structure:
- Network Founder
- Director of Network Operations (DNO)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Operations Officer (COO)
- Executive Board (EB)
- Departments/Divisions
- Server Administrators
- IRC Operators
- Non-Administrative Members (non-opers)
Below are the major departments of the network and their functions:
Executive Board (EB)
This is the governing body of the ChatX IRC Network. Its duty is to oversee the network operations ensuring each administrator and department are running in accordance to their charters and assigned tasks. This body will also see to disputes, issues brought up in which the EB will make its final decision.
Development Department
This department is responsible for the development of and changes to IRCd and Services. This department is also responsible for the network’s website development alongside with the Com Ops department.
Community Operations Department (Com Ops)
This department handles most of the technical related issues including domain, DNS, routing, server applications, mail services and web management.
Help Committee
This department acts as a liaison between the users and the network administration. It is responsible for the welfare of the users ensuring that help is given in a professional and timely manner through helpdesk.chatx.net and the help channels governed by the department. The department is also responsible in handling user and administrative documentation ensuring its documentations are up to date. Apart from public relations and documentation, the department also provides IRC/ChatX education through its class programs.
Services Root Administrators (SRA)
The staff on this team have the highest authority to services. This department is responsible for the updates made to services. Apart from that, they also manage staff promotions (services access) on granting/removing services access as and when needed.
Webteam
The webteam is responsible for the main website, Forum and Wiki as well as any upgrades and updates to the we services.
People who have made ChatX what it is today
bandido
Former Server Admin, BOD member and SRA member who was very dedicated.
dal0kat
Quiet person but contributed a lot towards the network in technical aspects. Former SRA and webmaster. Owned xgoogle. Owner of googlom. Helpful and always there when you need him.
drosdow
Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ChatX and one of the brains behind the network’s development. Currently, director of Com Ops and also one of the most respected staff members. His actions speak louder than his words.
Janou/AfroMan
Former Chief Operations Officer (COO), webmaster, SRA and has contributed a lot towards the technical aspects of ChatX.
Poison-X
Former Server Admin and SRA. Has directed the network during Area51’s absence.
qam
An aggressive oper who works hard in the network's development and progress. Driven by self motivation. Currently. Routing Division lead, SRA member and the Chief Operations Officer (COO).
SecretAgent
Former Network Oversight Officer (NOO). Former admin on olympus.* and philly.*. One of the top leaders of ChatX. Although he left due to personal reasons, he’s still remembered as one of the Livewires of ChatX. His contributions to the network will always be remembered.
srd
Although he is quiet, his actions speak louder than his words. He's the current SRA lead and Director of Network Operations (DNO).
tt-quattro
One of the veteran staff of ChatX. Former EB member and admin for orion.*
Interviews
INTERVIEW 1: SecretAgent
Q: In a few lines do tell us about yourself, how would you describe your personality?
Hmm..to be honest, I'm really just an average person. I work in the marketing division for a major Internet Search company, and just enjoy living life. Like to spend time with family and friends, and of course enjoy IRC'ng.
Q: How did you start on ChatX and what is your view of it?
I was introduced to ChatX back around August of 2005 by drosdow, who I had known from a help channel on another network. I liked what I saw, I mean people actually chatted here! So, I stuck around and eventually was offered my first o:line on jedi.*. I think it is a network with a lot of potential, and a great, dedicated group of staff! It's one of the few networks I can honestly say I'm proud to be a part of.
Q: Did your responsibilities as the NOO affect your personal life in any way?
Other than taking time to answer e-mails before going to work, or heading to bed, it hasn't had a great impact on it. I try to keep a balance between the two. Now, I'm sure my wife will disagree, when I'm tending to ChatX / IRC matters when she has a list of chores for me to do ;)
Q: Did anything funny happen to you from the time you joined the network?
NEVER :-P .. I have akilled an oper by accident once, but never akilled the whole network like a couple I smile about.
Q: Why the nickname SecretAgent? Any particular reason or meaning it was chosen for?
I suppose you’re expecting something deep or mysterious, but to be completely honest, it just happened to be one of the few good nicknames not registered at the time, heh. And I've just kept it over the years.
Q: What does ChatX mean to you?
Well, ChatX has been a big part of my life over the past few years, not because I am an oper, but because I have met some incredible people. This really is the most wonderful medium for people to get together, have fun, leave their troubles behind and meet people that they would normally never have the chance to.
Q: Anything else you would like to say?
It's been fun. As you have probably gathered I love ChatX for a variety of reasons and while there are quite a few things I would love to change I have been around long enough to not have rose coloured glasses and know that there are reasons why some things are like they are.
People need to realise though that ChatX is a microcosm of the world at large so anything they find on here that is not to their liking, well, it's the same on this planet. So, make the most of what you got!
INTERVIEW 2: drosdow
Q: In a few lines do tell us about yourself, how would you describe your personality?
Describing myself is hard to say, but I think it's up to my mood, I'm a social person and a very talkative one, but I can be close sometimes, I'm quite selective with my friends circle. I think things twice, but hey, don't you think you should come and find it out? :P
Q: How did you start on ChatX and what is your view of it?
I remember i started ChatX around 2000, I had a test server in my house running slackware, so I talked with ChatX and linked it, somehow the pc crashed, and I didn't had any affiliation to ChatX till 2001, when Area51 proposed me to be staff in freedom.*, since then I've been active and, keep coming and do it whatever i can for it.
Q: Did your responsibilities on the network affect your personal life in any way?
I'd be lying if I say no, but I try to give ChatX the time it deserves and not to interfere directly with my personal life, there will also been special occasions when i've to focus in ChatX, as long as it doesn't interfere with my top priorities at that moment I'm always glad to do anything related with ChatX, specially with ComOps which is my Department.
Q: Did anything funny happen to you from the time you joined the network?
I'm sure lot of funny stuff have happened to me during this long time, I guess are too many to recall, but the one that I recall the most is once i was chatting with my former admin and he fainted, he told me later what happened, I still feel guilty somehow hahaha.
Q: Why the nickname drosdow? Any particular reason or meaning it was chosen for?
Why Drosdow? oh well I guess i had lack of imagination the day i had to decide for a nickname so I just picked up my lastname, it's not that common and it represents me.
Q: What does ChatX mean to you?
To define ChatX is hard, so many emotions, many happy times, and bad ones too, It's a place where I do meet weird nicknames that result friends. In other way ChatX means freedom in any possible way to me.
Q: Anything else you would like to say?
Get yourself a coffee and meet ChatX!
Conclusion
The above document has been created with the help of drosdow and Area51. Any errors made on this document can be forwarded to the author as mentioned above. Thank you for flying ChatX!
