MetafilterIRC

'''Notice: The Official Metafilter IRC Channel has been suspended by Chris. Channel regulars have congregated in #mefi, on irc.slashnet.org, the new server. If you have an IRC client that supports it, simply click this link [irc://irc.slashnet.org:6667/mefi #mefi @ irc.slashnet.org] There is at this time no "official" MetaFilter IRC Channel'''

An IRC channel has been established for Metafilter. (IRC is Internet Relay Chat, and a way of establishing a real-time chatroom.) If you already have IRC software, many allow you to join a channel by directly clicking on one of these links:

[[irc://irc.metafilter.com:6667/mefi #mefi @ metafilter]] [[irc://irc.turlyming.com:6667/mefi #mefi @ turlyming] ] [[irc://irc.undernet.org/mefi #mefi @ undernet]] (backup channel)

NOTE: You can check out #mefi without installing any special software simply by visiting [1] with any java-compliant web browser.

See also the [MetaFilter IRC page]. A good [Intro to IRC], courtesy the mIRC client. You will need client software to use IRC. Popular programs for Windows include [mIRC] and [Trillian]. Popular Mac clients include [ircle] and [snak]. A fairly basic cross-platform client (for Windows, Mac, and Unix) is Chatzilla, which comes with [Mozilla].

It's really easy, and IRC is a better place for chattiness than a thread. These are the channels to look for:

• irc.metafilter.com:6667/mefi - #mefi @ metafilter - the main hangout. The channel is active most times, especially in US evening and overnight hours. The server is not metafilter, but turlyming. #mefi is the only channel hosted there.
• irc.turlyming.com:6667/mefi - #mefi @ turlyming - direct url to above.
• irc.undernet.org/ channel #mefi or sometimes #metafilter - backup location if above not reachable.

Set your IRC name to the same as your Metafilter name, especially at first. Bots are not permitted. The atmosphere is friendly and very informal. Risque joking around and coarse language are both common on #mefi (as they are on IRC generally) and, if you are offended by very non-Politically Correct humour or comments, you should be aware that these are common also. Non-participation will warrant a kick.

The main reason given for this is that idlers are "reading" without being part of the conversation. In more than one instance a transcript has been posted on the internet, to the jolt of someone involved. It's also extra load on turlyming. In addition, Chris, the server owner, has to reboot the server from time to time, and the people persistently idling keep reconnecting when the server comes back on. This hampers with his work. Operators

chris is the IRCop. Antifreez, esch, tacodog, stynxno, tog and Steve_At are the channel operators. Contact them for help and questions if any. In particular, MetaTalk is not an appropriate venue for issues with the channel.

Also check out [#mefi::ircstats].

The #mefi group weblog used to be located at FreeQuonsar.com, but that domain has since lapsed. The new weblog is at [tapes.ieattapes.com]. Quickie Startup

• 1 Download and configure an IRC client.
• 2 Connect to the server irc.metafilter.com.
• 3 Join the channel #mefi. (Type /join #mefi if there's no obvious button or dialog box for joining channels in your IRC client.)
• 4 Say hello!
• 5 ???
• 6 Profit!