IRC subculture
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IRC subculture refers to the particular set of social features common to interaction on the various IRC systems across the world, and the culture associated with them.
Background and terms
IRC is an Internet-based chat system that has existed in one form or another since 1988. Networks are connected groups of IRC servers which share a common userbase. Channels are the "chat rooms" on said networks. IRC channel operators (commonly referred to as OP's or chanops) are the individuals who run any given channel. For more detail, be sure to check out the IRC article, or other IRC resources on the web.Overview
While there are many different IRC networks, and across those networks there are countless IRC channels, there are some unifying features common to the social structures of them all. Many of the features of the IRC subculture mesh with other Internet subcultures, such as various forum subcultures. This is especially prevalent in IRC channels or networks that are directly related to other Internet phenomena, such as an IRC channel created by and for the users of a particular Internet forum.Common themes
As in most Internet subcultures, a very common IRC phenomenon is that of hazing newbies. This is generally channel-specific, except on very small networks. For example, even if someone has been a user of EFnet for a number of years, and helps manage several channels, when they join a new channel, they will be treated as a Stupid Noob for a certain amount of time, varying as widely as one week to one year.
On many networks, and many channels, particular attention is paid to a user's Nickname, the name they use to chat. If this name is considered sub-standard (ending in a number, all caps, etc), the user will often face ridicule. Also, many individuals pay attention to the particular IRC client an individual uses. mIRC is the most common client, and is often mocked or otherwise derided, as is the case with many mainstream applications.
Variations
While many aspects of IRC subculture are common across the entire community, many aspects are specific to particular networks, channels, or groups of channels.Specific networks
Some networks have specific sets of ettiquite, guidelines and quirks that vary from those of other networks. For example, atopical channels on general networks like EFnet tend to haze their new users more aggressively than topical channels on networks like freenode.Specific channels
Some channels have specific sets of etiquette and guidelines that vary from those of other channels.External links
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