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The Top 10 Reasons (AfterNET) IRC is Better Than IM

We think Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is great, and beats other forms of online communication like AIM, MSN, and Yahoo without a doubt. We have compiled this list to illustrate why:

The List

#10 Open Platform

IRC has been based on Open Source software since the beginning. Everything needed to run a full network capable of handling hundreds of thousands of users is available publicly under the GPL, from IRC clients to connect to it (examples: xchat, irssi, bitchx) to irc server software (examples: Evilnet Nefarious ircd, dancer ) to services software for ChanServ (examples: X3, gnuworld). Why does this matter? If you don't agree with how AOL runs their IM servers, what are you gonna do about it? But, if you think you could run an IRC network better, you can.

#9 Encryption

Most IM tools don't offer any kind of encryption. Those that do offer it are often implemented poorly. Many IRC however, can use industry standard SSL encryption, so there is no way your boss/school/ISP is secretly reading what you rant about them in chat.

#8 Flexibility

Because of IRC's open software, and somewhat standard protocol(s), you have the flexibility to run whatever software you want to connect. There are literally thousands of programs capable of connecting to IRC, from bots to clients. Everything is an open book, so you have the flexibility to use it how you want, without hacks.

#7 Everything isn't about dating (unless you want it to be...)

Tired of the A/S/L chat on AIM? Each channel on IRC has its own culture, so you can easily find a group of people to chat with who are nott trying to 'cyber' each other all the time. Course, if you are in to that sort of thing, there are places for that too..

#6 More technical oriented users

Because IRC started as a UNIX tool for geeks and college mainframe users, IRC has a tradition of technical chat. You can often find groups of people talking about anything from Linux and the software that runs on it, to hobby electronics.

#5 Meet new people easily

Finding new friends who can help you learn and grow on AIM is nearly impossible. All the conversations take place between 2 people who already knew each other. In contrast, on IRC most conversations happen out in public, so you can get to know people even just by watching. By becoming a regular of a channel, you meet all sorts of other members who you would not have known to IM directly.

#4 Broaden your horizons

Chat goes on all the time on IRC, about many different subjects. Often, you will find people discussing topics you didn't know existed, or discussing a position you don't agree with. Just 'hanging out' on IRC can lead to a much broader understanding of the world.

#3 Eavesdropping / people watching

Shy? Not sure what to say? I never feel comfortable IMing my friends directly out of the blue... but on IRC, you can watch other people chat if you don't feel chatty. You learn a lot sometimes just by following a conversation.

#2 Builds Trust

Nothing facilitates people building a trust relationship over the internet quite like IRC. Because of the inherent structure and culture on IRC, you can really get to know others and grow to be friends. Over time, regular IRCers grow large networks of people they know and trust. Try doing THAT over AIM!

#1 Supports Freedom to chat on the interweb

AIM, YIM, MSN, etc are all run by corporations ultimately out to make a profit. They don't care about freedom of speech, freedom to gather, discuss politics, etc. Anything that disrupts their world will simply be banned off the internet. Don't like it? tough, its their network. IRC, however, is mostly run by individuals and groups not for profit. And if all the IRC networks sold out, you and some friends could download the Open Source software and start your own IRC network.

Convinced? Want to try it?

If you already have IRC software installed, read our Connecting to AfterNET pages for details on how to get here.

If you don't, you can try it easily in your browser here

If you want, go one step further and Create your own channel to invite all your friends out of their IM jails.