Sys:Help:Chat
Contents |
CGI Chat
Welcome to the basic how-to for the chat system.
Background
The chat runs on an IRC server. IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, a standard way of running internet chat. Those of us more technically minded can use clients such as mIRC to connect instead of the web-based system if they prefer.
We chose this method because it is more stable, has more features, and is less likely to go crazy (as the old chat used too). It also allows multiple "rooms", and also allows for users to form their own "room", for private groups, to run games and similar.
Confused? Well, read on.
Connecting
Beginners
Point your browser to http://www.aberddu.co.uk/scripts/chat.php
You might want to open this in a new window so you can see this how-to as well.
You should now see a window that contains a box that says "Nickname". Enter your nickname in here. You can have most things as a nickname, but no spaces.
Click connect!
Now, you should see a window that fills with text, it will then change quickly and you will be put in a room that has some text at the top, telling you about the channel. Above that will be two "boxes". One that says "Status" and one that Says "#lobby". At the bottom of the window is a box, into which you're meant to type.
You can now type things. People might answer. They may not. But you're doing well.
Doing Things (CGI Style)
Rooms are also called Channels. A channel is that little box with a # in front of it (e.g. #lobby), this is a bit if info that will make things make more sense. If you click on the box that says "status" you will see "server messages" these will be things like Errors, and the Message of the day.
New Channels (or Rooms)
As has already been said, you can join more than one room (remember, in IRC rooms are called channels). At the top of the screen you have two tabs, Status (which is a "special" room that you can't close, because it tells you all the error messages) and #lobby. Lets imagine we want to roleplay. Well, they normally hang on out in #the_strangled_cat. So lets join that.
All commands in IRC are prefixed with a /
To join a new channel, type /join #the_strangled_cat
NOTE: the # is very important. All channel names start with a # and it will not work without it!
you should now see your new channel. There should be a new box at the top of your screen that says "#the_strangled_cat", and you should still see one that says #lobby. If you click on #lobby you are back to that channel, where you can continue talking.
#the_strangled_cat is based on an IC (in character) pub. Most of the roleplaying goes on here.
Private Messaging
To open a new chat between two people simple double click on the users name on the right hand side, simple as that!
Roleplaying
The next thing to learn is how to roleplay. This chat comes with a few ways of doing things, which will make roleplaying in #the_strangled_cat more fun.
1. To make your character "do" something, (or more technically, emote something), use /me . For example /me sips the drink
This will print something like
- AdariusJager sips the drink
on the screen (assuming my nickname was AdariusJager
2. OOC comments are usually placed in ()
eg: (brb, doorbell)
Advanced Options
Changing Colors
A lot of people have complained that the new chat is as "dark" as the old chat. They don't like the colours. Do not fear! you can change that. To change your colors (unfortunatly you will have to do this every time until). There you will see a box that says "format" from there chose "mIRC", or some such. now click "connect". The colours and font should change. Play with this until you find something you like!
Information for Client Users
This information is not intended for those unfamiliar with the use of IRC clients - there are several howtos available online for such a purpose.
Chat details
Address: irc.avatastic.co.uk
Port: 6667
Basic channels:
#lobby #the_strangled_cat (IC) #avatastic (Tech and support) #aber
More Information
For information on the commands (or shortcuts) available in this chat see the command list. If you have any questions about the commands or their descriptions, scribble in my talk pages.
A very quick and simple guide to LogBot has been created.
