chatting 101

Chatting is fun! It can also be addictive. But, before you can become a chat-a-holic, you have to first master some basics of chatting.

To begin with, there's accessing our chat. You can do it one of two ways: either via mIRC, a free-standing chat program (see LINKS page), or via the ICQ website (see LINKS page). For those who are mircally challenged, we also have an hyperlink for you on this page (see the mirc emblem).

Okay, now down to basics.

There's a few DO's and DON'T's in chatting forums.

DO remember that this is an open forum. So allow for differences in mannerisms.

DO make sure you have a good firewall (especially if using mIRC.)

DO learn and use the common courtesies of chatting.

DO remember to relax and enjoy. Just be yourself, and you'll make friends online!

DO NOT give out personal information in chat (real name, address, phone, etc., until YOU feel comfy with someome!

DO NOT assume others want to chat with you in private message (PM).

DO NOT assume all channels are alike!

DO NOT a/s/l (see below) upon entry to a channel.

CHATTING COURTESY:
It's generally considered "yelling" to type in all capital letters LIKE THIS. If you have trouble seeing texts, most programs have a font adjustment feature. Ask someone else in channel for help with this if you need to.

You may be very shy, but most chatters do not like being "pm'ed" by a total stranger. It's considered invasive, in fact! So, ask before you PM (private message) someone.

It's not a good idea to bring your "bad attitude" into a chatroom. Even if you've been there before, the anonymity of the internet is no excuse for being rude or obnoxious!

It's considered well, droll, to ask to be an OP in a channel. The CHANOPS cannot make you one, anyway! OP is assigned by ICQ, except in private channels.

WHAT ARE.....
(those funny little symbols people use)

EMOTES: these are funny little symbols used to convey an emotion or feeling. Below are the most common

:
:) smiley
:P raspberry
:O surprise
=) smiley
:( frowny
=( frowny
:\ concerned
;) winky
>:) devil
O:) angel

AND THAT MEANS WHAT?? Sometimes people use abbreviations to convey a message. Some of the more common ones are:

BRB =Be Right Back      BBIAB= Be Back In A Bit   AFK = Away From Keyboard
TY= Thank You    BBL= Be Back Later   YW= You're Welcome MDF= My Dear Friend
BIAF= Back In A Flash   PM= Private Message   TTYL= Talk To You Later BB= Bye Bye
A / S / L = Age Sex Location (most people consider this annoying, so you're better off not using it to find out about someone!)