Internet Chat
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Basic Info
There is no "official" SportsFilter channel; however, members of SportsFilter run their own channels. These are used for game-time chats (usually scheduled and announced in the locker room), or simply shooting the breeze on any game night.
The first sectionbelow is about how to chat using IRC (Internet Relay Chat). If you prefer web-based chat you may like Campfire. For more information on using the Campfire chat, scroll to the very bottom of this page.
IRC: #sportsfilter
There is an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channel on slashnet called #sportsfilter which was setup by Terrapin. To use the channel use your favorite IRC client and connect to irc://irc.slashnet.org/sportsfilter.
Very quick start guide
The method below is for connecting via a java applet. If you feel you need a little more hand-holding, scroll down to the next section.
- Open this in another window.
- Type "yourusername" in the top left corner. You can change this with the /nick command (e.g. /nick spofiuser420 makes spofiuser420 your name on the channel).
- Type "/join #channel" in the long white box at the bottom (eg. "/join #sportsfilter")
- You'll now be in the channel. Type whatever you want to say in that same long white box
- That's it
Quick start guide
This quick guide assumes you don't want to install any new software and that you don't want to do anything fancy, just get chatting as quickly as possible. So, here goes...
First click this link but don't forget to come back to this page for further instructions:
http://www.slashnet.org/java.php
Assuming you have Java installed, you should now see a chat client with a whole bunch of intimidating blue text in it. Don't panic!
The first thing you need to do is set your nickname. You can do this by entering it in the nickname box top left and pressing enter. The last line of blue text will confirm you've changed your name. It's probably best to use the same name you use on the site (your SportsFilter username) or at least something similar so people know who you are.
The next thing is to connect to the chat room. There is a white bar at the bottom (just above where it says Private ->). Click in there and type /join #sportsfilter and then press enter.
You are now in the channel. Anything you want to say to your fellow chatters can be said by typing into that white bar you just used. It's a good idea when you've just joined a room to alert everyone to your presence by saying hello. Just type in your greeting and press enter.
Once here you'll find that people are pretty helpful so if you have any questions, just ask.
It's a good idea to read about registering your name which will prevent others from using it and imitating you. This is done my sending "private" messages to an entity called nickserv. Again, if you feel unsure how to do this then just ask in the channel.
It's worth noting when using this java client that when you run nickserv commands (as set out below) the reponses will appear in a Nickserv window that you'll only see when you click on the Nickserv button that appears at the bottom of the screen.
This Java client is OK for occasional use but you may find that if you're going to chat a lot then you'll want a better client. More on that later.
What Client Should I Use?
This depends on what operating system (OS) you use, and possibly what browser you use.
If you use Firefox or Mozilla on any OS then you can use Chatzilla which you can install from here. It's easy to use, quite well integrated with the browser and completely free. Go to this link, click Install Now, restart your browser and then click on the #sportsfilter link. If you use Opera then you already have a built-in client.
Similarly, the chat client (program/application) inside the Opera browser is fast and very nicely integrated into the application, with different chat windows appearing as browser tabs.
On Windows a lot of people favour mIRC (Shareware, small nag screen at start up), Trillian (freeware) or Gaim (freeware). mIRC is considered the easiest and most versatile IRC client to use of these options. It is much more customizable, easily configurable, and has many other options. It's remarkably extensible, and will accomodate a user's growing IRC skills.
On Macs you might want to use Conversation, Colloquy or Snak.
What are the basics?
A useful command to know is /whois which will tell you more about a user. Simply type /whois nickname and you'll be provided with information on the user.
To change your nickname type
/nick newnickname (where newnickname equals the name you wish to use)
To join a channel type
/join newchannel (where newchannel equals the name you wish to use)
If you want to perform an "action" such as falling off your stool then type
/me falls off stool
To show up in the #sportsfilter IRC currently chatting list at the Slashnet #sportsfilter page, type
/mode nickname -i
What are the Guidelines/Etiquette?
These will vary from channel to channel. If in doubt, contact the channel ops.
IRC Questions, once you're connected
How do I register my name?
If you don't register your nickname then anyone can enter the channel under your username.
Type the following into the input box:
/nickserv register yourpassword youremailaddress
You must use a valid e-mail address as you will be mailed to confirm your details. It's also advisable not to use a password you would use on any other site, just something that's very simple and memorable. If you do forget the password then all you need to do is type the following into the input box:
/nickserv sendpass nickname
And the password will be sent to the email address you registered earlier
Everytime you start your chat session with your registered nickname you'll be asked to confirm your identity. To do this just type:
/nickserv identify mypassword
If the above commands don't work in your client then preface them with msg like so:
/msg nickserv identify mypassword
Many IRC clients, such as the ones mentioned above, allow for adding commands that occur automatically when the client is started. Adding the command to identify yourself to nickserv saves a great deal of typing. See below for more information.
Why does Chatzilla say I'm banned?
It's a bug with Chatzilla. You have not been banned. Here's how to fix it.
1. From Firefox, open Chatzilla. (Tools > Chatzilla in current versions. In older versions, it might be Tools > Options > Appearances. If in doubt, search Chatzilla help for 'preferences' or 'options.')
2. Go to Chatzilla > Preferences. Under the Global Settings Tab, find the Identification field.
3. Under "Description," change the default text from "New now know how" to anyting else.
You will be unbanned.
Can I make it so my password is entered automatically when I sign on?
Yes, absolutely, and this is recommended. The procedure depends on what client you use.
Chatzilla
- Chatzilla menu. Preferences.
- Pick irc.slashnet.org (or the network you need to log into)
- Pick the Lists tab.
- In Auto-perform, click Add.
- Type /msg nickserv IDENTIFY password (where password is your password)
mIRC
- File, Options (Alt+O)
- Under the IRC category, click on Perform
- Check the box that says: "On connect, perform these commands:"
- Type /msg nickserv IDENTIFY password (where password is your password)
You can also do this for any channels you want to join on connect, by typing "/join #sportsfilter" in the same box. Each command should go on a new line.
I got disconnected, and now my nickname is already in use. How can I get it back?
If your nickname is registered, you can use the ghost command.
/nickserv ghost nickname password
This kills the old session, and allows you to rename yourself with the /nick command. You will still need to identify/login.
Campfire: SportsFilter Unofficial Game Time Chat Place
There is also a Campfire chatroom, which was setup and is maintained by DrJohnEvans. If you have an account, you may log in via the main login page. If not, you can contact DrJohnEvans for an account.
