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From Lostpedia

For instructions on how to access and register on IRC Chat, see Lostpedia:Chat

The Chat functions page attempts to outline some of the common features present on the Lostpedia Chat system, so that users can enjoy fully the quirky commands it offers.

Bots

The first thing that should be addressed is that some users on IRC Chat are not in fact real members, but automated "bots" programmed for specific tasks. Chanserv is a bot provided by the IRC server which has no influence or noticeable presence at all (other than automated functions such as granting voice or ops). TheSecuritySystem is the main bot of the chat. It provides a memo functionality, Lost trivia, in addition to other services. Jabrwocky7 maintains this bot. In addition, polarbear is a rather playful bot set up by Santa, providing a myriad amount of triggers; TheIsland is run by stlgirl, and provides extended features such as a Wikipedia search and Google Calculator functions; ThePearl, created by BauerUK, provides useful links and an embedded TinyURL service.

It should be noted that the bots can occasionally be controlled by the users who created them in discussion, but mostly they will not respond to private messages or communication as they are merely automated robots.

Trivia

One of Lostpedia Chat's most popular features is trivia. By typing !trivia, TheSecuritySystem launches quickfire questions relating to Lost, which users can answer. The amount of questions can also be set, so for a round of 16 questions, one should enter !trivia 16. By default, !trivia with no number specified will launch a round of 20 questions. Please keep in mind that does make it more difficult for users to chat, when questions are constantly appearing on the screen. If needs be, a user can stop trivia at any time by entering !strivia.

Please use #lostpediatrivia to play trivia if there is an ongoing discussion in the chat in order to not disturb it. This can be achieved by entering /join #lostpediatrivia and following the same instructions in the above paragraph.

With over 2000 questions relating to Lost (the show, behind the scenes, The Lost Experience, etc), trivia is challenging and suitable for all level Lost fanatics.

Commands

The chat channel makes use of the typical commands present on other chatrooms hosted by Gamesurge. For a detailed guide of some of the user and management commands, simply enter !help when logged on the Lostpedia chat and follow the on-screen instructions.

Triggers

Triggers are a unique and interesting feature which Lostpedia Chat employs to provide some humor in comments. A user can in fact instigate a number of triggers which connect to Lost. For example, typing .locke _______ giving a username subject will result in:

 polarbear sacrifices _______ to the Island.

A full list of triggers can be found by entering .triggers or !triggers into the chat -- different bots respond to different commands. Most Lost character names will result in a trigger response, as well as some Lostpedia-related characters too. A text list of all Lostpedia Chat triggers for polarbear can also be viewed here.

Note also that the bots will respond on occasion to simply mentioning a certain word in passing. For instance, polarbear gives a alternating Michael response whenever the word walt is used, whilst TheSecuritySystem will be delighted if you enter the numbers.

Basic IRC commands

Moderating users

When you access Chat, you may notice that some users have an "@" symbol next to their name, whilst others may have a "+" symbol. The "@" symbol signifies that the corresponding user has high level privileges -- an "op" -- in the chatroom, and so have the ability to ban or kick rule-breaking users. The "+" sign denotes any other user who has authenticated themselves with Gamesurge and have received "voice" in the chat. In the Lostpedia Chat's case, being "voiced" does not matter, but in other channels only users who have voiced themselves by logging into Gamesurge are able to communicate.

Not all IRC software shows the @ and + symbols. Some use different colors, others might use tiny avatars. Refer to your IRC client's documentation or FAQ, or ask in the channel if in doubt. Typically, most IRC clients list ops first, then voiced users, and then normal users in the user list.

Authentication

Although completely optional, it is recommended you register your account with Gamesurge's AuthServ. Simply fill out this form and you will be emailed further instructions. Only "authed" users can use Gamesurge's built-in IP masking. Additionally, authed users will be added to the user list, giving them voice.

IP Masking

If you don't want your IP address broadcast to all of Gamesurge, you can set up a mask for it by selecting one here. Once you've followed the instructions there, you can enable the mask by typing /mode nick +x, replacing "nick" with your current IRC nick name. Only authenticated users can use an IP mask.