Netiquette
From ChatX Wiki
Written by PJKevin pjkevin@chatx.net on 17 December 2006
Revised by PJKevin pjkevin@chatx.net on 14 May 2008
Contents |
Introduction
This document has been written as an introduction on code of conduct on IRC (mainly ChatX). It should be reminded here that different networks have different core standards of behaviour which may be acceptable on their network but not here and vice versa.
Connecting to ChatX
To connect to ChatX, type /server irc.chatx.net 6667. You will be connected to a server in the dns pool. While connecting, you will read the welcome message which tells you the IRCd, version and modes available for use. Always be sure to read the Message Of The Day (MOTD) which contain rules and policies of the server and the network. Failure to read the MOTD and not adhering to the policies may lead you and/or innocent users being banned from the network.
When choosing a nick, try and make it simple. Although there is no policy on choosing your nickname, please be reminded that nicknames that impersonate the network staff/services/users are not allowed. Avoid using offensive nicknames as most channels will not accept such. You can also register your nickname with us. Visit NickServ Command Reference, type /nickserv HELP REGISTER or visit #Help for further information on registering your nickname.
Joining a channel
Once you have connected, you may join a channel by typing /join #channelname. You can also see a list of channels by typing /list. When you join the channel, always remember to read the channel topic as the channel rules may be mentioned. Be polite, greet the users and do not interrupt conversations. No one likes to be interrupted whether on IRC or in real life.
IRC is an unmoderated medium of communication. Therefore, people may voice their opinion and you may or may not agree with what people would say. If you are not happy with the topics of discussion in the channel, just be polite and find another channel to chat in. After all, there are many channels you can choose from.
Channel operators are identified with a (@) symbol by their nickname. They are the ones who run and manage the channel ensuring that it runs smoothly. It should be reminded that channel operators may or may not have certain protocols to follow. Because of this, always remember to follow instructions given by the channel operators. Channel operators have the right to kick, ban or both with or without reason. If you are not happy and wish to dispute a decision given by a channel operator, you may consult the channel founder. However, it is the channel founder’s decision that will prevail in such cases. There is no right or wrong way of running a channel because ChatX administration only provides the service but the maintainance of the channels are borne by the channel’s management and therefore, the network’s administration cannot get involved in anyway whatsoever unless the channel violates the Community Standards.
Going to channels asking for Ops (@) or Voice (+) isn’t polite. These status are granted at the discretion of the channel management. If you are persistant in wanting access, you may be removed from the channel. Again, it is at the channel management’s discretion on granting such access. You may want to run your own channel by registering with ChanServ. A reminder that you should register a nickname before you can register a channel.
Requesting for Help
ChatX provides help to its users in many ways. Apart from documents, we also have help channels (#Help). Unlike normal channels, help channels have certain protocols and policies they need to follow under the direction of the Help Committee. Users are allowed to help and learn in these channels provided they follow the policies outlined for each help channel. Note that not all staff in help channels are IRC Operators and some cases will need to be referred to an IRC Operator (example lost passwords and takeovers).
Because ChatX is an international IRC Network, our operators are from around the world (America, Asia and Europe) and we are more than willing to help you even if English is not your primary language. However, there are times we may be busy with other things or real life matters. Feel free to leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, if your query is in regards to the network or should you need a response from a department, you may contact us via our forums at [1].
Helpers of other languages:
- PJKevin (Malay)
- LivingSouL (Tagalog)
- drosdow (Spanish)
- sneaker (Finnish and Swedish)
- qam (Faroese, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch and Icelandic)
Respecting other users
ChatX believes that respect is one of the keys to running a successful network. This not only applies to the administration but also to all its users. As much as you want to be treated with respect, it should be reminded that respect is earned and not demanded. Behaving in a disrespectful manner include but not limited to the following:
- Harassing or defaming users in public (channel topics, mass messaging)
- Disrespectful towards users of other religious faiths, believes, gender, sexual orientation, political views etc.
- Impersonating users/staff/services
Harassment will not be tolerated on ChatX and if any user is found to have violated this policy, we will not hesitate to take stern action against such including warnings, temporary removal of access (applies to network/help staff) and permanent ban if abuse still continues.
If you feel you are being harassed despite warning the user, it is best to ignore him (or her) using /ignore nickname 3. If the harassment is done in a channel, you may bring this to the attention of the channel operator(s) present. You have the right to remove, akick, ban a user from channels you are opped in (even if it means banning a network staff though it’s unlikely a network staff would harass you. If the abuse still continues (evading bans and ignores) or if the user is a network staff, you may escalate this by contacting any admin with the logs.
IRC Operators
IRC Operators are users with special privileges who maintain the network ensuring that the network’s operation is in order. On the contrary to what people believe, they are not ‘police’ or cops but they can take action against users who threaten the network’s operations. Becoming an IRC Operator is not easy. Begging will only lead you to nothing as we will not add people who ask for such.
