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Location: Mothership -> UFO -> Updates -> 1997 -> Jun -> Re: IRC Channels (in general)

UFO UpDates Mailing List

Re: IRC Channels (in general)

From: Chris Rutkowski <rutkows@cc.UManitoba.CA>
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 1997 10:48:33 -0500 (CDT)
Fwd Date: Mon, 02 Jun 1997 18:54:28 -0400
Subject: Re: IRC Channels (in general)

UFO UpDates - Toronto writes:
> Date: Sun,  1 Jun 97 16:54:17 PDT
> From: DeGodfather <yam@netvision.net.il>
> Subject: Update on IRC channel. Please read.
> To: UFO UpDates - Toronto <updates@globalserve.net>
> From: yechiel A. Mann <Yam@NetVision.Net.Il>
> <Http://www.GeoCities.Com/Area51/Zone/6682>
>
> i know i've been Emailing a lot on the IRC channel
> lately, but please take the time to read a couple
> of short messages - i'm trying to cut down! :)
> First of all, the IRC channel is NO LONGER called
> #CSETI, but we've moved to #ETS
> that's our new channel, so please don't come to
> #CSETI anymore, but to #ETS - also on DALnet.

I think I should take the time to point out that there are *many*
UFO-related channels on the various IRC servers, and all are a bit
different, catering to different needs and audiences. The CSETI channel
is only one, and would appeal only to those interested in that context.

The longest-running channel is #ufo on the Efnet. Efnet is prone to bot
wars and petty infighting, so many have left it for other pastures.
However, it was host to the recent simulcasting of Talk America radio
programs with UFO themes, and often has significant discussion again.

On the Undernet, there are a variety of channels. The #ufo channel is a
bit more regulated, with no bots, and often has guest speakers. Stanton
Friedman has been on both the Efnet and Undernet UFO channels, as have
been Kal Korff and other noted ufologists.

Undernet also hosts channels named #devils_tower, #esp, #A_UFO_TRUTH,
#UFO_ESP, #majic, #blackvault and #visitations,
although the latter is inactive as the rumor is it moved
to Dalnet, another IRC center. There is also another channel that is
more private and I won't tell you the name because it has serious
discussion there and we want to keep the riff-raff out. :)

In an ideal world, IRC is a perfect medium for exchnaging ideas and
information, even for reporting UFO sightings. In fact, when I first
joined the Efnet channel, I was impressed when UFOs were being actually
reported *live* as they were observed! But because the channels are
usually open forums, anyone who wants to contribute can join and make
comments. Unfortunately, 90% of the comments are not worthwhile, and
many are downright insulting or, more often, obscene.

IRC is a great vehicle for promulgating rumors and old stories. New
users looking for serious information or for guidance through the
minefield of ufology often receive inaccurate info from radical
believers or misinformed buffs.

It's too bad, because it's a wonderful medium for exchanging serious
information, as I noted. In fact, there are many serious discussions on
IRC, but these are private and highly-guarded with the intent to avoid
interference. Many evolve into cliqueish societies and
mutual-admiration groups. Others function well as private, realtime
information exchange centers.

It's not a perfect system, but it has some merits.

Well, a few, anyway.

--
Chris Rutkowski
rutkows@cc.umanitoba.ca
University of Manitoba - Winnipeg, Canada



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