Possible use of irc

[srwu_mods]

Recently a lot of people had trouble connecting to mission rooms using AIM or other software that supports AIM. It has always been an issue for some but usually one we could get under control - but it got a lot worse during the last few weeks.

So we're considering using irc to run missions. We'd still use AIM for communication, but this is an alternative in case someone gets dropped and AIM won't let them rejoin during a mission.

Without further ado, which of those options do you prefer best?

1 - Stay as it is now. Don't use irc for running missions.

2 - Try to use AIM for running missions, but keep irc around as an option in case AIM is acting up.

3 - Use irc for mission running every time.

Say which option is your favorite, and maybe also why. Discussion is welcome and encouraged. Make your voice heard on this matter.

Comments

[gravitons]

I think the main drawback of actually using IRC full-time is that the client programs tend to be full of unwanted stuff (like adware for mIRC). Don't know if this has changed now, but this is what I've heard from people before.

Personally, I've only used IRC once through a browser-based program (Mibbit? IIRC), and that was just messing around to see what it could do. It did seem to have a lot of useful features such as handle/name changing and the /me command. All in all, it wasn't that difficult to get used to, at least for me. However, I don't know if this holds in a more hectic situation, like in OOC chats or missions.

So, I don't know where I am on this one because there isn't enough information to go on. One can say that it all just looks like text on a screen, but the experience itself is something words can't quite capture. What I'd suggest is what I've mentioned on OOC before - run a test mission of some sort to see just how feasible the platform is as an alternative to AIM, and see how players and mods will manage while using it.

From that, we'll be able to decide on which option is best.

[way_of_vengeance]

If you get hexchat for windows or limechat for OSX, those don't have ads going on.

[gravitons]

As much as it is a problem, it's nothing I can't get around by using Mibbit or some browser-based program. This might not be the same for others.

What's more important here is still the latter half of what I said: how missions will be like on IRC. I know better than to judge things from second hand opinions.