Forum:Starting a new IRC channel on ChatLounge

Due to excessive spam in the IRC channel lately, we've had to block unregistered users from joining the channel for an indefinite period of time. We hate to do this, but we're getting way too many troublemakers in the channel recently.

This problem generally stems from the fact that our IRC channel is located on freenode, and the freenode IRC network is very large, and large networks tend to harbor a lot of trolls. freenode also has, from a technical standpoint, a number of issues, such as their IRC software generally being outdated (They're generally afraid of doing server restarts, although that's understandable, given their size and the amount of disruption that would cause). Having our channel on freenode gives us many benefits, but many disadvantages at the same time.

Forcing all users to register for a freenode account is an extreme measure of preventing spam, but it will inevitably prevent some legitimate users from joining as well, as not everyone wants to register for a new account. The restriction on our freenode channel may be lifted someday, but until then, I want to have a non-Wikia chat alternative for our users.

MrBenC, our latest SuperOp, is the most experienced user on our channel, and he is an operator on a number of other networks. He even runs his own network, titled ChatLounge, and this is where I suggest that we create an alternate channel, located on the ChatLounge network. To be fair, the channel on ChatLounge has already been created in anticipation of such a proposal like this one, so this discussion will mostly be about whether or not we should use that channel.

The reason why I suggest we use ChatLounge is that, since it is a smaller network, problems encountered by larger networks are generally easily dealt with, or are non-existent. It also means that, since Ben operates the network (so he has more than just channel access) it is easier for him to deal with trolls, and thus better for everyone as a whole. Plus, Ben develops his own IRC software, and his network runs an updated and maintained IRC daemon (software that runs IRC) and IRC services, so his network will have features not present on freenode. It also means that bugs in the software can be fixed and implemented quickly and relatively painlessly.

You can join our ChatLounge channel now by pointing your favorite IRC client to irc.chatlounge.net and joining the channel #TheSimsWiki. Alternatively, if you do not wish to install additional software, you can access the channel right from your web browser using Kiwi IRC.

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that we shut down the old channel and forcefully move everyone to ChatLounge. This proposal is about creating a second channel, not replacing the first, so that users who do not wish to sign up for an account can use ChatLounge in the event we have to lockdown our freenode channel. In normal circumstances, both channels will be open for all to use.

So, thoughts? — k6ka  🍁 ( Talk ·  Contributions ) 14:15, July 15, 2016 (UTC)

Discussion

 * It's worth noting that the ChatLounge IRC channel was just struck by the first and probably not the last drive-by spammer. 1358  (Talk)  19:27, July 15, 2016 (UTC)
 * I think it's always worth keeping in mind that spam on IRC, just like on the wiki, can't be completely prevented without putting heavier restrictions in place. Since we've decided that to add these restrictions is detrimental, we have to be willing to accept some spam as an unfortunate reality. --  LiR talk • blog  •  contribs 02:30, July 16, 2016 (UTC)