Subject and special interest networks
As an alternative to gathering on channels on one of the other smaller or larger networks, some groups of people have set up their own networks, dedicated to their cause or subject of interest. Here are some of them, loosely grouped by subject. This section will also include single-server outfits, since there are a number of standalone IRC servers which fall into this category.
[ Computers | Kids
and Education | Games ]
[ Arts
and Literature | Miscellaneous subjects ]
Computers
Open Projects Net
Apart from being a forum for everyone interested in the Open Projects
concept, it is also the place to go with your tricky Linux problems after
the #LinPeople channel took up residence. Debian in particular has a
strong presence.
Servers: 27
Locations: Australia, Canada, Hungary, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, UK,
USA
Default port: 6667
Max users: 3500
Services: Nick (NickServ), Channel (ChanServ), Memo (MemoServ), Help
(HelpServ)
Operator channel: #openprojects
Server list
SomeNet
This (open projects related) network appears to have been put on ice for a
while. Their mission statement and news are available at their web
site.
Servers: 3
Locations: USA
Default port: 6667
Operator channel: #somenet
Server list
AmigaNet
Amigas. What else could it be about?
Servers: 6
Locations: Australia, Norway, Sweden, UK, USA
Default port: 6667
Max users: <100
Services: None
Started: July 1997
Operator Channel: #anet-opers
Server list
BSDNet
Yup. It’s BSD. Various flavours of BSD operating systems are the main topic on this network,
pretty much in the same style as on LinuxNET. A network for the experts.
Rather unfriendly towards outsiders, all they lack is a ‘Keep Out’ notice
in the MOTD. If you don’t know what BSD is, this is not for you.
Servers: 11
Locations: Australia, USA
Default port: 6667
Max users: est. 100
Services: none
Operator channel: #NoHelp (it’s a hint, yes)
No server list.
Kids and Education
Kidlink IRC
Network for kids up to age 15 and educators with ‘classrooms’ in
various languages. Requires registration prior to using it.
ScoutLink
Well, the name is pretty much self-explanatory. Scouts in various
parts of the world have set up an IRC network for meetings in various
languages. There is also a link from within this network to scouting
channels all over IRC.
Servers: 11
Locations: Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland,
UK, USA
Default port: try 6667
Max users: ~100, much higher during on-line jamborees
Services: Nick (NickServ)
Operator channel: #scouting
Server list
CyberEd
Single server dedicated to the use of IRC for educational purposes,
hosting educational events and discussions as well as classrooms on
internet-related topics.
Server: irc.cybered.net
Location: US
Port: 2220
Services: Nick (NickServ), Channel (ChanServ), Memo (MemoServ)
Kidsworld
A friendly network dedicated to providing a secure environment for kids
without being too restrictive.
Servers: 6
Locations: Canada, UK, USA
Default port: 6667
Max users: <100
Services: Channel (K), Memo (MemoServ)
Started: December 1996
Operator channel: #adminland
Server list
Games, on-line and otherwise
QuakeNET
They call it the best multiplayer game ever. Maybe they’re right, maybe
not. Anyway, here’s a network full of (mainly European) addicts.
Servers: 34
Locations: Denmark, Germany, England, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia
Port: 6667
Max users: 40000, varies according to time of day
Services: Channel (Q)
Operator channel: #feds
Restrictive policies: No porn, warez or mp3s
Server list
Stomped.com
Server for PC video game fans/organizations. They seem to have a
preference for Quake.
Server: irc.stomped.com
Location: USA
Port: 6667
Max users: ~500
Services: Nick (NickServ). Channel (ChanServ), Memo (MemoServ)
Started: October 1997
Operator channel: #support
Arts and Literature
Dominion
One server, associated with an American Sci Fi TV channel. Also the venue of related events.
Server: irc.scifi.com
Location: US
Port: 6667
Max users: 200+
Services: Something. They run that weird Qdeck ircd.
Alternative access: Java
Miscellaneous subjects
EqNET
All things equestrian (about horses, that is). Regular and special events.
Server: irc.equestrianpages.com
Location: USA
Port: 6667
Started: July 1996
Alternative access: Java
Main channel: #equestrian
I.I.G.S. IRC
Subject: Genealogy
Server: irc.iigs.org
Location: US
Ports: 6667,7000
Started: September 1997
BDSMnet
In their own words: A network for adults who are interested in discussions and play in
all forms of sexuality. (No, it’s not a porn trading post.)
Servers: 3
Locations: USA
Default port: 6667
Max users: 350
Services: Channel (ChanServ), Nick (NickServ)
Created: August 1997
Operator channels: #bondage, #social
Server list
StonerNET
Their description: StonerNET is a place to unite cannabis users around the
world in the fight to end prohibition.
Servers: 2
Locations: USA
Deafult port: 6667
Max users: est. ~100
Services: none
Started: November 1997
Operator channel: #pot (of course)
Restrictive policies: No government officials!
No server list; use irc.stonernet.org
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