Anyone there? - Chatting on IRC...
Wednesday, June 11, 2003 by MadIce | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
If you have ever been to the Stardock IRC server you probably recognize this question. People enter the channel and leave within a minute. Often they ask this or another question and leave. I can show you logs full of such samples.
These people are probably not familiar with IRC and think it is a kind of a phone. They expect to be answered immediately and they leave within a minute. Sometimes very angry because they didn't get an answer within a minute.
A second reason why people do that is because they want to try out the chat option in SDCentral or the WC Browser. If they don't see any activity for a minute or two they leave.
Being in such a channel and seeing those people come and go can be irritating, but we are getting used to it. However, most of them stay away from channels like #WinCustomize and #SDCentral because of that. These two channels are the ones used by SDCentral and the WC Browser to autmatically connect you to the IRC server.
You should remember that there are real people in these IRC channels, so don't be nasty to them. Stardock employees, skinners, SD/WC users and SD gamers all hang out there. These people are often connected to IRC for 24/7 and may be working with another program, sleeping, skinning, making coffee, answering a phone or away from their keybaord for another reason. So, chances are they they do not see you as soon as you appear. Remember that these people come from all over the world and may not be in the same timezone as you. Half of them are not even from the US. Nobody is rude to visitors intentionally, but if they are we will kick them off the channel. People in these channels are there for fun and may help you out if they know an answer to your question. So, next time you join please wait 15 minutes or so.
Some of you may be afraid to speak on IRC because they see "famous" names there. Don't worry about that, none of them behave like stars.
The IRC channel is intended as a support tool and should be fun in the first place. It can also be a great tool for people working on the same skinning project.
The SD IRC software is as simple as it gets, but you may need some extra information about its practical use and may need to learn a few commands. Also there are more hints and tips, like those described above. In addition, there are rules what we accept and do not accept on IRC. If you are interested I can write all of that down and make it a sticky thread (Jafo already agreed to that). Let me know if you are interested in that.
Have fun...
These people are probably not familiar with IRC and think it is a kind of a phone. They expect to be answered immediately and they leave within a minute. Sometimes very angry because they didn't get an answer within a minute.
A second reason why people do that is because they want to try out the chat option in SDCentral or the WC Browser. If they don't see any activity for a minute or two they leave.
Being in such a channel and seeing those people come and go can be irritating, but we are getting used to it. However, most of them stay away from channels like #WinCustomize and #SDCentral because of that. These two channels are the ones used by SDCentral and the WC Browser to autmatically connect you to the IRC server.
You should remember that there are real people in these IRC channels, so don't be nasty to them. Stardock employees, skinners, SD/WC users and SD gamers all hang out there. These people are often connected to IRC for 24/7 and may be working with another program, sleeping, skinning, making coffee, answering a phone or away from their keybaord for another reason. So, chances are they they do not see you as soon as you appear. Remember that these people come from all over the world and may not be in the same timezone as you. Half of them are not even from the US. Nobody is rude to visitors intentionally, but if they are we will kick them off the channel. People in these channels are there for fun and may help you out if they know an answer to your question. So, next time you join please wait 15 minutes or so.
Some of you may be afraid to speak on IRC because they see "famous" names there. Don't worry about that, none of them behave like stars.
The IRC channel is intended as a support tool and should be fun in the first place. It can also be a great tool for people working on the same skinning project.
The SD IRC software is as simple as it gets, but you may need some extra information about its practical use and may need to learn a few commands. Also there are more hints and tips, like those described above. In addition, there are rules what we accept and do not accept on IRC. If you are interested I can write all of that down and make it a sticky thread (Jafo already agreed to that). Let me know if you are interested in that.
Have fun...
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MadIce
Reply #22 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:56 AM
Yes. They probably don't know what to do and maybe we scare them with our famous names.
Reply #22 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:56 AM
| what I think is funny is that sometimes someone will log in, not say anything, I will say hi to them, just to sort of get things started...and then they leave. |
Yes. They probably don't know what to do and maybe we scare them with our famous names.
feline
Reply #23 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:57 AM
feline didnt know that
Reply #23 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:57 AM
| werewolf - feline, you can always double click on someones name and have a private message session with them. |
feline didnt know that
MadIce
Reply #24 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:08 AM
#WinCustomize is relatively small. If you need help then ask for it. Tell what help you need. If the conversation is too chaotic then ask for a private conversation. You can also create a small channel to tak with a small group. For an example: You, Fuzzy and I want to discuss a plugin. We can create a channel with just the 3 of us and talk about it in our own pace. Also, people may invite you to a private conversation (1 to 1) when it is too crowded. Just give it a go. And do NOT panic.
I'll make sure that the doc contains info on how to do these things and some etiquettes.
Reply #24 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:08 AM
| it really is a very big room with many overlapping conversations going on at once. this description reminds me of yahoo groups. |
#WinCustomize is relatively small. If you need help then ask for it. Tell what help you need. If the conversation is too chaotic then ask for a private conversation. You can also create a small channel to tak with a small group. For an example: You, Fuzzy and I want to discuss a plugin. We can create a channel with just the 3 of us and talk about it in our own pace. Also, people may invite you to a private conversation (1 to 1) when it is too crowded. Just give it a go. And do NOT panic.
I'll make sure that the doc contains info on how to do these things and some etiquettes.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #25 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:12 AM
Reply #25 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:12 AM
What's the difference between that and the message board? All sounds very strange...
Fuzzy Logic like to type things and click 'submit' - what more could you want?
Fuzzy Logic like to type things and click 'submit' - what more could you want?
MadIce
Reply #26 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:14 AM
The WinCustomize browser rarely needs commands to find your way (most commands can also be done with the mouse), but if you do it may help if you have a reference of these commands. And again. Do not panic and ask if you do not understand it.
Reply #26 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:14 AM
| i remember that idea. when i tried that all those many moons ago (it failed) this only happened after the green reaper issued some magic command. more strange and confusing commands followed, and i decided to leave. |
The WinCustomize browser rarely needs commands to find your way (most commands can also be done with the mouse), but if you do it may help if you have a reference of these commands. And again. Do not panic and ask if you do not understand it.
MadIce
Reply #27 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:21 AM
A conversation, once esablished, is real time. No need to refresh the window (like in an HTML browser). Therefor conversations can be faster and more responsive. They feel more like norml conversations.
Reply #27 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 9:21 AM
| What's the difference between that and the message board? |
A conversation, once esablished, is real time. No need to refresh the window (like in an HTML browser). Therefor conversations can be faster and more responsive. They feel more like norml conversations.
jebland
Reply #28 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:24 AM
Reply #28 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:24 AM
#19-Madice
I did not mean deliberate rudeness (I try to never do that). I meant not being aware of the protocols, I might do something that is a "no no". For example on the messageboard it is rude to write in all caps or start multiple threads on the same subject. I see a lot of newbies on the board that are not aware of this and are soundly scolded for it. That is something I would want to avoid.
I did not mean deliberate rudeness (I try to never do that). I meant not being aware of the protocols, I might do something that is a "no no". For example on the messageboard it is rude to write in all caps or start multiple threads on the same subject. I see a lot of newbies on the board that are not aware of this and are soundly scolded for it. That is something I would want to avoid.
werewolf
Reply #29 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:28 AM
Reply #29 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:28 AM
oh...and please don't get on the IRC channels asking for help for warez version of the software. It's just not right.
MadIce
Reply #30 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:42 AM
If you are polite then they will be polite. Don't worry about it. Because we fool around from time to time and because it is international mix of people a remark may sometimes be misunderstood. That sometimes happens. But if it is clearly rude then we do not tolerate that.
Reply #30 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:42 AM
| I did not mean deliberate rudeness (I try to never do that). I meant not being aware of the protocols, I might do something that is a "no no". For example on the messageboard it is rude to write in all caps or start multiple threads on the same subject. I see a lot of newbies on the board that are not aware of this and are soundly scolded for it. That is something I would want to avoid. |
If you are polite then they will be polite. Don't worry about it. Because we fool around from time to time and because it is international mix of people a remark may sometimes be misunderstood. That sometimes happens. But if it is clearly rude then we do not tolerate that.
MadIce
Reply #31 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:52 AM
That's an interesting one. We have a policy about that. Warez trading and asking for serials are not tolerated. Once we notice it you will be banned from the server. No warning. No discussion. Please note that the IRC admins are not the same people as the WC admins. So, chances are that crying on the WC message board about being banned from the IRC server will not help at all.
Reply #31 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 10:52 AM
| oh...and please don't get on the IRC channels asking for help for warez version of the software. It's just not right. |
That's an interesting one. We have a policy about that. Warez trading and asking for serials are not tolerated. Once we notice it you will be banned from the server. No warning. No discussion. Please note that the IRC admins are not the same people as the WC admins. So, chances are that crying on the WC message board about being banned from the IRC server will not help at all.
craeonics
Reply #33 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:10 AM
Reply #33 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:10 AM
"The IRC channel is intended as a support tool"
Oookay. craeonics notes never ever to set a foot in that channel then
Truly, like Koa most of the time I am in irc (usually through irc.thirty4.com) I find countless people... idling.
Oookay. craeonics notes never ever to set a foot in that channel then
Truly, like Koa most of the time I am in irc (usually through irc.thirty4.com) I find countless people... idling.
craeonics
Reply #35 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:31 AM
Reply #35 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:31 AM
* Later that night, crae's basement gets raided by a Black Ops squad and he is forced to enter #WinCustomize and answer support questions
The horror! The horror!!
The horror! The horror!!
MadIce
Reply #36 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:34 AM
Reply #36 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:34 AM
OK. There is too much negativity in this thread about IRC, so I think nobody is interested. I'll finish the document and send it to people on request.
Chef Garry
Reply #37 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:51 AM
Reply #37 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:51 AM
Well I, for one, am glad you started it. As time permits, I might just give it another go. Cheers
MadIce
Reply #39 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 12:40 PM
Reply #39 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 12:40 PM
You either like IRC or you don't. Everybody is free to their opnion. The doc is just intended to help those who try to connect, but have trouble using it. Doesn't look like a bad idea, does it? So, if you don't like IRC and want to use this thread to advocate that then move along and read another thread.
I'll post again when it is finished.
[Message Edited]
I'll post again when it is finished.
[Message Edited]
goodmorphing
Reply #40 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 12:46 PM
But maybe people don't like irc because they are not familiar with it. So exposing their fears, and becoming aware of some of its benefits in a thread like this you are reaching the people who might benefit most.
goodmorphing has noticed that often people approach a new 'unknown' with all their fears and worries exposed which is good. You can see them right away, confront them, erase them... THEN is when the negativity goes away.
Reply #40 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 12:46 PM
But maybe people don't like irc because they are not familiar with it. So exposing their fears, and becoming aware of some of its benefits in a thread like this you are reaching the people who might benefit most. goodmorphing has noticed that often people approach a new 'unknown' with all their fears and worries exposed which is good. You can see them right away, confront them, erase them... THEN is when the negativity goes away.
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Reply #21 Wednesday, June 11, 2003 8:56 AM
/join #Stardock
You will probably find a lot more people there.
feline *giggles* *sigh*
i remember that idea. when i tried that all those many moons ago (it failed) this only happened after the green reaper issued some magic command. more strange and confusing commands followed, and i decided to leave.