Re: [Fsuk-manchester] IRC Channel

[Tim Dobson]

Paul Waring wrote:
> On Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 05:59:32PM -0400, Matt Lee wrote:
> > One useful task for the chairperson would be the appointing of IRC
> > operators, in whichever channel is chosen.
> >
> > Currently, there are two active channels.
> >
> > #manlug, on the OFTC network.
>
> #manlug has *nothing* to do with Manchester Free Software - it is
> primarily used to organise currybeer and for people to chat random
> vaguely IT-related stuff in. It just so happens that some of the people
> in the channel are involved in Manchester FS, but then those people are
> in other channels too.

This is true. #manlug has kindly played host to a number of members of 
Manchester Free Software over an extended period of time

I feel Simon explained what #manlug was a while back on his blog: 
http://bleah.co.uk/blog/posts/2007/12/08/post_christmas_currybeer/

> > I think it is also important to maintain order, and to use the channel
> > as a place to serve as both a central resource and as a noticeboard for
> > the community.
>
> Maintaining order is largely self-regulated, I have only had to kick
> people from #manlug on one or two occasions (excluding bots/flooders)
> and it's been running for about three years.
>
> > IRC Operators serve a useful purpose. They help maintain the channel,
> > with updates to topics and such, but they also help maintain the
> > conversation. Where the conversation goes off-topic, or people are
> > disruptive, they can be removed from the channel. If they are repeatedly
> > disruptive, they should be banned.
>
> Conversation is allowed to go off-topic on IRC, unless you're in some
> uber-serious channel like #debian.

I have to second Paul here.

I think it is highly unlikely a community is going to build up around a 
IRC channel if off-topic chat is disallowed or discouraged.

In most cases I think that if the majority group in an IRC channel is 
uncomfortable with someone's behaviour then a respected regular should 
suggest that they tone down a bit.
In 99% of cases I think this should do fine, in the other 1% I think 
people should generally be non-confrontational and tolerant and 
certainly regard kicking someone, very much, as a last choice.

Again, tolerance and non-confrontational approaches, I believe, are the 
best way in dealing with people, being rude or confrontational is 
generally unhelpful and causes bad feeling among certain groups of people.


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