IRC info for #lionhead
Version: 1.0
Feedback, comments, suggestions, etc... can be sent to
samvantilburgh@lionhead.com
1. What is IRC?
IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat (IRC), just like HTTP stands for HyperText Transport
Protocol. It is one of the most popular and most interactive services on the Internet
and while most of us use the Web mainly for finding information or email to get
our messages send easily, fast and cheap; if you are looking for people on the Internet,
then IRC is what you want.
It lets people from all over the world participate in a social group or community
and have conversations or discussions. It’s where the Net becomes alive!
You use an IRC client (a program such as mIRC, Pirch and many others) to exchange
text messages with other people, a little bit like talking to people on your MSN
or ICQ contact list, with some really big differences. It doesn’t matter which program
you are using, as all of them connect to the same chat networks and servers and
by joining specific chatrooms such as #lionhead you will be able
to 'converse' by typing messages that are send instantly to other participants in
the chatroom.
It’s a great way to meet new people with the same interests!
2. How do I use IRC?
Just like in real life there are people who will have something interesting to say;
you’ll get on with certain people, more then you’ll do with others.
If you are familiar with IRC and have a client installed on your system [click
this link]; you'll be able to find us on irc.uk.quakenet.org
(or any other Quakenet server really) at #lionhead. If you don't
have a client installed on your machine please [go here] and download and install mIRC. Start the program
and go to File / Options (or Tools / Options) and under Category
you'll find 'Connect', click on it and 'IRC Network' will say
'All', next choose Quakenet from this list. If you want you can
also leave some personal information about yourself here.
Under Connect/ Options activate 'Connect on startup' and 'Reconnect on
disconnection'. This will make it easier for you the next time you decide
to connect.
Once connected, exit the Channel Selector Screen and type in /join #lionhead
in the status screen, press return, and there you go; you've now joined the official
Lionhead Studios' chat channel!
On the right side of the screen you'll see everyone who joined the channel, some
people will have different symbols in front of their (nick)names, such as + or @.
These represent their status in the channel. While + stands for 'voice',
a @ stands for moderator or administrator. This will give them additional benefits,
rights or roles in the channel.
It is always nice to keep the net-etiquette in mind when making your first appearance
in a channel, in the long term this will only be beneficial for you and your future
within that channel.
A complete FAQ on how to use IRC and all the commands and options can be found at
http://www.mirc.com/faq.html.
We suggest you read some documentation before you get connected to an IRC server,
a great resource on how to use the protocol can be found [here].
3. The History of #lionhead
Since the very beginning of Lionhead Studios as a developer, they have been supportive
of IRC and their community. There was a developer chat being held as soon as 1998;
it was a night with around 10 developers present and as many people asking questions,
mainly webmasters of fansites or gaming sites. This was in the chatroom #lionhead.
More and more people joined the channel over the next six years, some went away
and never came back, and others became regulars who, even today, still hang out
in #lionhead or even meet and greet each other in real life.
More developer chats were held and new channels specifically dedicated to Lionhead
Studios’ games were launched, creating a confusing set up of channels for the community;
where do you go to discuss Lionhead Studios and their games? For this reason Lionhead
Studios is focusing more on #lionhead and less on the other chatrooms.
Currently the group in #lionhead is a very close one, with a very long history and
many ups and downs. There are many different characters in the channel – often referred
to as 'regulars'. Vital to using and understand IRC is knowing how people, and especially
these regulars, behave and talk with each other.
It’s a mature protocol which can be intimidating for those who have never used it,
or it can be scary for new members of the community. But give it some time and with
your dedication and interest it will become a very pleasant place to hang out during
your endeavors on the net.
4. The Regulars in #lionhead
In the channel #lionhead there are many people who are considered to be 'regulars';
people who are there frequently and most of the time use the same nickname. A nickname
can serve as a mask not only to hide identity, but also to call attention to the
person.
Most of the time, regulars are older, more experienced and more respected members
of a certain community, who contribute to the community in a constructive and positive
way, have a positive input in the discussions or conversations that go on. Seeing
as #lionhead has been around for six years there is a great bunch of people who
might give you an intimidating impression at first – but when you actually take
the time to understand these people and how they talk, you will see they’re a great
bunch who really get along pretty well and can talk about almost anything.
The subject of conversation will not always be Lionhead Studios or their games;
it can be anything from world breaking news, to recent developments in the games
industry, to personal opinions about different subjects or what people had for supper.
Several of these regulars have moderation status in #lionhead, which means they
control and moderate the room and the people in it. This gives them a lot of control
over the channel, but also a lot of responsibility towards everyone who are active
there.
5. Your first time in #lionhead
IRC is great fun and you'll sure meet lots of interesting people in #lionhead!
We suggest you read some documentation before you get connected to an IRC server,
a great resource on how to use the protocol can be found [here].
When entering the channel for the first time you’ll have to pick a nickname; this
is how all other people will get to know you, this is your character. Pick something
that feels right, you don’t have to come up with an alias either; you can use your
real name if you prefer it. Or your mum’s! Don’t steal other people’s (nick)names.
The first thing you will see is the topic of the channel; read it!
No wait. Read it again! Most of the time this topic contains valuable information
about the channel, the subject people are talking about or even guidelines to your
role in #lionhead. It might also contain breaking news, or other information relevant
to the channel. On the right side of the screen you'll see everyone who joined the
channel, some people will have different symbols in front of their (nick)names,
such as + or @. These represent their status in the channel. While + stands for
'voice', a @ stands for 'moderator' or 'administrator'. This will give them additional
benefits, rights or roles in the channel.
If you are going to start talking, greet everyone in the channel and if you feel
you have to introduce yourself feel free to do so. If people make funny remarks
because of this, or comment on your (nick)name don’t be intimidated. At least they
are talking to you! If you have nothing to say; keep quiet. Don’t greet everyone
and then “idle”
for the sake of it; it annoys people.
The first thing you have to learn is not to take everything seriously or take anything
to heart. Just like in real life, people like the irony or sarcasm of a joke. Or
people just like to upset people by teasing them or disagreeing with them. If someone
insults you or calls you bad names you shouldn’t feel upset, it’s a mature conversation
you are having which can be quite childish at times, but there’s no bad intention
to it. It’s more of a joke then anything else. If you do feel people are misbehaving,
contact a moderator.
If you feel that you have something to say to something someone else said; do it,
it’s called replying. Start typing away and hit enter, your message will appear
in the channel for everyone to read and in turn, reply to. This is how conversations
or discussions start. If the channel is very busy it might become difficult to keep
track of your partners in your conversation, if this is the case it might be useful
to start a private conversation with these people on IRC. Or just continue to brag
on in the channel itself.
If you are calling it a day you can tell everyone in the channel you are leaving,
but this is not necessary. You can return whenever you feel like it.
Some people like to use IRC as a tool to harass people and it can expose you to
(very) unpleasant behavior. The value of IRC completely depends on how you use it
and how you are behaving within the social group that makes the channel you’re in.
It can keep you company when you can't sleep, contribute to friendships, give you
something to do when you get back from school or work or tell you more about your
favorite subject.
Unlike in real life, having a conversation on IRC is anonymous. Everyone can pretend
to be of a different sex, you can pretend to be a pilot of a jet fighter and people
might get excited and ask you about it. There is indeed a great deal of sextalk,
slang and insulting on IRC, and one should exercise caution in allowing children
to access the IRC without supervision. But, as an adult, you are free to visit only
the channels you choose, and there is of course a great deal of positive communication
going on.
6. Do’s and don’ts in #lionhead
Never ask the channel about the release date for any of the games in development
at Lionhead Studios; you can easily find the release date on the forums [here]. If it’s not on there it means there is no known release
date for that particular game and asking it in the channel will result in you burning
in hell for eternity.
There is also a search function on the bulletin board which can answer most questions,
if you have a question like "Where can I get the Great sword in Fable"
you'd be better off, and less hated, if you searched first.
The channel #lionhead is not a support line either, if you are having difficulties
with your games you will have to a) contact the technical support line from the
publisher or b) search for a solution on a (fan)site or http://www.google.com. If you do feel like asking, be polite
and try to give as much information as possible.
Don't be nasty if you're new - people will spit in your face and call you a sissy.
Don't start screaming BY USING F****NG CAPITAL LETTERS FOR EVERYTHING YOU SAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t post anything that’s illegal; it’s against the rules of Quakenet. Don’t ask
about illegal software, illegal use of hardware, hacking or cracking, porn, how
to kill your enemy in school etc…
If someone posts a link containing one of the following words do not click on
it unless you are aware of the damage it might cause and the
explicit nature of the images contained within that link: tubgirl, goatse, lemonparty,
pain4, smegma and tinyurl if digga says it.
Don't forget that you should never EVER click on a link a random person PM's you...
(private message)
Don't start spamming the channel or flooding; repeating your questions ten times
in a row to draw the attention. You will be banned for this.
Forget about using colors.
7. Developer Chats
On frequent times Lionhead Studios will have a developer chat in #lionhead for one
of their games in development. These events will be announced in the press and may
bring quite a lot of new people into the channel. The community in #lionhead will
be informed of such an event prior to the event itself, to make sure everyone knows
about it in time and has the opportunity to either play a role in this or make arrangements
for that specific night.
During a developer chat the channel will be strictly moderated (auditorium mode);
only certain members with operator status will be able to talk in #lionhead – while
everyone will be able to read what’s being said in the channel. We have a bot called
DevChat who people do /msg DevChat <Question>
to, in order to ask a question.
The Question channel is the channel that DevChat sits in giving the helpers and
devs questions to sort through! The Devs will be opped in the main channel so they
can speak directly to the people in the devchat. In order to ask a question you
will have to type in the following in the Questions Channel (this channel will be
announced on the day of the Dev Chat itself).
/msg DevChat <Question>
Where <Question> being your question. Leave out the < and > dumbo. ;-)
The DevChat bot will list your question with a unique ID in the Questions channel
and if a developer answers, both Q and A will be listed in #lionhead with an ID
and your nickname. That way people know exactly who is replying to what. This will
also make things easier afterwards.
8. Developer Chats Afterwards
Afterwards it is most likely that regulars from #lionhead or webmasters from fansites
turn the complete log file from the developer chat into an organized and understandable
document..
When the chat is over, all developers will most likely leave the channel leaving
it in complete chaos; filled with people who aren’t sure on what to do next.
In order to support those who like to spend their time in the channel the channel
will be cleared, which means everyone will be removed. Everyone is free to rejoin
the channel; and the room will be free for everyone to talk again, be it about the
recent developer chat or any other subject.
People might turn up still thinking a developer chat is going on, in this case it’s
wise to politely point our it’s over and done with.
9. Having problems
If you are having problems with getting IRC to work it’s wise to visit http://www.mirc.com/faq.html.
If someone is giving you hassle you should talk to one of the operators in the channel,
they will try and help you or explain to you what’s happening.
Be careful when accepting files from other users (DCC), as they may contain damaging
software. Do not click on a random link unless you are absolutely certain it is
safe.
If someone posts a link containing one of the following words do not click on it
unless you are aware of the damage it might cause and the explicit nature of the
images contained within that link: tubgirl, goatse, lemonparty, pain4, smegma and
tinyurl if digga says it.
No one will ever ask you for your username or password. Not even
people who work at Lionhead Studios.
While someone might call themselves Bill Bates on IRC, this doesn’t necessarily
mean they are actually Bill Bates.
Don't forget that you should never EVER click on a link a random person PM's you...
(private message)
10. Who owns #lionhead
Technically and administratively Lionhead Studios owns this channel. It was founded
by 'Astonish' a (former) member of the Lionhead community.
However, no one 'owns' the channel as in such; it is run by and for the community,
with the support from the community team working at Lionhead Studios.
11. Resources used for this guide and other useful links
http://www.mirc.com (client IRC)
http://www.planetblackandwhite.com/utopia/
http://www.lionhead.com
http://www.lhtimes.com
http://community.lionhead.com
http://www.google.com