Well, does this exist?
#straightdope
Nick might also need to know which network it’s on. #straightdope on the Undernet is the only channel I know of. Usually you can connect to a server by country code (us.undernet.org, ca.undernet.org, etc.). http://www.undernet.org/servers.html is an up-to-date list of explicit servers.
Please note that this is not an OFFICIAL Straight Dope service. The Straight Dope staff don’t run it.
Lynn
Administrator
For the Straight Dope
I’m lost on this…
How the Hell do you punch in the info and where? Where do I put in ‘undernet’? In the browser? Do I need to be going through Outlook express? Or is this strictly an AOL deal?
Can I come up with any more questions?
Feel lucky I didn’t ask you the DOS command sequence I was about to the other day. My brother laughed at me when I asked him. I know squat about DOS commands and what your talking about now.
First off, as Lynn noted, #StraightDope is not in any way endorsed, run by or otherwise connected to the actual Straight Dope, the Chicago Reader or anything else. It’s just a bunch of us who hang out there.
#StraightDope runs off the Undernet server network. You need some form of IRC client to access it. Your best bet, if you’re a PC user, is mIRC or else you can access IRC via the web. Your best bet for a web connection is through Undernet’s site and I’d give you the exact address except it doesn’t seem to be working at the moment. You can also use mIRCx which is a java based IRC client, but that requires you to know the server names.
If you get mIRC, it already has a list of Undernet servers on it. Just click on one and you’re on the network. Then type in /join #StraightDope and you’ll be in the channel. If anyone needs additional help, you can mail me (it’s in my profile) and I’ll be glad to help you out.
It’s probably because I’m technically illiterate, but I find it easier to go through Fathom. Is this wrong?
Not at all. I tend to give the direct addresses to Undernet’s java client because it’s the one most likely to be up and running (ironic that it was down when I looked). I’ve heard some complaints about other java clients, but I don’t use them so I’m not one to judge 'em. Use whatever is easiest for you (which for most people is mIRC – I never heard of anyone using it and then going back to java) and come join us.
Please note that the same rules of “Don’t be a jerk” etc. still apply. Granted, we are a bit less persnickity about spelling, since it’s LIVE and all.
Thanks for the input, but I still can’t seem to get anything live.
I’m sorry, but you have to explain it as simple as possible to me, because I joined the IRC thing way to late. I remember the Mosaic days when others in the comp. room were doing this thing. I didn’t even get it then. I was too busy doing homework!!!
Actually, I was playing Sim City, but noone knew. The original to me is by far and away the best.
Anyrate, when I hit the Fathom site, I get a Mr. Dopy message that’s remained the same since the first time I’ve checked it (about a month ago). As far as I can tell, there’s noone on the site and nothing much is happening.
Oh well, I’ll check this tommorrow afternoon after the game, I’m not so interested in joining in on the chat, well, maybe, but don’t bust a nut trying to explain it to me now.
Besides, I’ve had a couple of Mike’s Hard Lemonade tonight and am about to faceplant my pillow. This stuff is great.
To all that have tried to help, thanks for the effort, I appreciate it.
And Homer, are you like twelve years old? I’m half in the bag now and seem to be spelling quite fine.
And if it isn’t known by now…
YES, I understand that it is not endorsed by the SDMB.
Cnote, try the Fathom link and sue the client there if you want to get started. Ignore the MrDopey stuff (long story and irrelevant here) and take comfort in the fact that people ARE there. Just enter your name in the box that says “your-name” and hit Connect or whatever it says. If you want to know who’s in the channel, you can try:
http://www2.satexas.com/~mortwight/straightdope.html
Thanks…
[hijack]
Chris, I remember trying to spell correctly for awhile, and then just saying ‘fuck it’ and flinging my fingers at whatever keys they hit. Sad, no?
[/hijack]
–Tim
Connecting sucessfully is no guarantee that there’ll be other people on chat at the same time, of course. Evenings seem to be the busiest time, im my (very limited) experience.
Jophiel writes:
Hey, it’s a program, not a legal career! 
(Sorry, Jophiel, but sometimes I just can’t resist.)