Every day, editors new and not-so-new communicate through so many different channels it makes my head spin! And since communication is the key to success it's no wonder the ODP is the largest and most widely used directory! Editors have the editor forums, editor feedback, private email, and some editors even use the telephone (ignoring those pesky long distance charges, of course!) Getting in touch with someone is as simple as typing a few lines and clicking a button.
But there's something faster. Seasoned editors are probably reading this and preparing to write me nasty (not to mention slow) feedback telling me how much of a luzer I am for forgetting one of the most instant and important (in my humble opinion) methods of communication. No, I didn't forget it, it's just under utilized. My point? Three letters: IRC.
One of the first questions most editors ask is "What is it? Some sort of governmental organization?" No. Basically, IRC is a giant chatroom! An instant giant chat room spread over several servers and available to almost everyone!
The next logical question seems to be, "Why IRC over the forums?" That's simple too: speed (keeping in mind the forums always have their uses!) Ever been on a roll while editing -- busting those greens right and left -- and suddenly out of nowhere, a question! Cases like these are worse than pressing the Big Red Button! All activity stops and that nagging question needs an answer. Sure, the forums are there for editors, but more times than not it's a game of 'Hurry up and wait!' The ODP is such a vast project that editors from all over the world, speaking all different languages, communicate at different times and in different ways. Posts have been known to sit for days at a time before getting any kind of response! Our wonderful metas are busy and can't take care of every question; and maybe it's a question that not many editors know how to answer. The answer, again: IRC.
A group of editors put lots of time into making an instant method of communicating that everyone with a browser and a hard drive can access. Chatting with a favorite meta is as easy as downloading a client, or steering any Java enhanced browser to one of the many sites listed below. One of the best things about #odp (the channel, or specific chat room) is the combination of "smart witty pleasant conversation," (angela45) and help for new and upcoming editors. It's sort of a combination between the Penguin Café and General/New Editor forum.
So, who hangs around #odp? Lots of people -- and so should you! The list of people changes all the time. Everyone's favorite metas, editalls, and luzers are there to talk about whatever happens to be the topic of the day, even though "there's not enough newwave," (qbp). Regardless of the time of day (or night) there is usually someone around who can answer any question quickly. The channels created on the ODP servers are created specifically to help editors -- new and old. Editor guidelines are enforced by a channel operator (usually a meta) to create a friendly environment, just like the flora, but in real-time. The ODP's IRC channels have such benefit that everyone should check them out at least once.
So, how do normal and everyday editors use such high-tech and futuristic gadgetry? Simple! They go to one of the addresses below and download a client. If downloading something new seems too scary for the benefit, visit one of the web-based IRC sites. Some sites don't even require Java! I don't think I have to mention that there are categories dedicated to IRC as well. Once in a channel, the active editors will be more than happy to lend a helping hand with any questions about the ODP, or IRC. So, what's the bottom line? Use it! It is there for all editors.
Happy chatting and I hope to see you there!
- JT (jtaylorj)
Resources:
- jtaylorj