If you have not been around (the Internet) in the early 00s, chances are you have never heard about Internet Relay Chat.
However, the DoubleFourteen code forge decided to open one in 2022, and you might want to join us today.
However, the DoubleFourteen code forge decided to open one in 2022, and you might want to join us.
IRC was invented in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen who aimed to give users outside the network a chance to participate in the conversation without creating a profile. So, it allows users to provide as much or little info about themself as they are comfortable with starting from zero.
IRC was invented in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen, who aimed to give users outside the network a chance to participate in the conversation without creating a profile. So, it allows users to provide as much or little info about themselves as they are comfortable with, starting from zero.
nowadays, it sounds almost radical, considering you have to accept GPS tracking to use some services or enter your birthday to check the news. It was not. IRC was born in the early days of the Internet when the respect for users' privacy was yet to replaces by user's data monetary value.
Nowadays, it sounds almost radical, considering you have to accept GPS tracking to use some services or enter your birthday to check the news. As a matter of fact, it was not. IRC was born in the early days of the Internet, when the respect for users' privacy was yet to replaces by user's data monetary value.
So, Internet Relay Chat is a system(although it is decentralized nature may be described as an absence of it) of networks, channels, and chat rooms. Initially text-based, the same technology now allows supporting different mediums including video, although the traditionally minimalistic interfaces are still more text-friendly.
So, Internet Relay Chat is a system(although it is decentralized nature may be described as an absence of it) of networks, channels, and chat rooms. Initially text-based, the same technology now supports different mediums including video, although its traditionally minimalistic interfaces are still more text-friendly.
Why choose IRC today?
Because the same points that ensure its success in the 90s are still relevant today:
Because the same points that ensured its success in the 90s are still relevant today:
*For businesses* it is an easy and stable tool that can be added directly to your website to ensure that your customers can reach you directly in one click even if they are off social media or Instagram/Facebook/Google services are down.
*For business* it is an easy and stable tool that can be added directly to the website and ensure that customers can reach you directly in one click even if they are off social media or Instagram/Facebook/Google services are down.
And *for everyone*:
1. *extremely lightweight* useful even in an emergency.
2. *flexible*. offers both group chats and one-on-one conversations.
1. *extremely lightweight*, useful even in an emergency.
2. *flexible*. It offers both group chats and one-on-one conversations.
3. *simple* the interface is simplicity as it is.
4. *decentralized* anyone, in principle, can set up an IRC network*.
5. *free* Like, actually free, not "pay later", not "here are some adds", and definitely not "we collect and sell your data to the third parties".
5. *free* like, actually free, not "pay later", not "here are some adds", and definitely not "we collect and sell your data to third parties".
*note: in principle, yes, but most certainly you will use one of the existing networks. While transitioning between them is fairly simple, I want to point out that the security and privacy of IRC's networks are mostly based on transparency and its community (same as with many Open Source initiatives). Hence, I want to encourage you to stay attentive and avoid fixing the same service. IRC gives you freedom, so you it wisely.
*note: in principle, yes, but most certainly you will use one of the existing networks. While transitioning between them is fairly simple, I want to point out that the security and privacy of IRC's networks are mostly based on transparency and its community (same as with many Open Source initiatives). Hence, I want to encourage you to stay attentive and avoid focusing on the same service or platform. IRC gives you freedom, so use it wisely.
Last thought: while exploring IRC, I have come to the understanding that numerous easy messengers I know are inspired by these "old school" channels. So, apart from all the technical bonuses and safety, it is also extremely intuitive and requires zero to little adaptation.
Last thought: while exploring IRC, I have realized that numerous easy messengers I know are inspired by these "old school" channels. So, apart from all the technical bonuses and safety, it is also extremely intuitive and requires zero to little adaptation.
So, maybe along with vinyl, polaroids, and black-and-white movies we could bring back IRC?
So, maybe along with vinyl, Polaroids, and black-and-white movies we can bring back IRC?
