I was wondering...

webcoder · Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 81 Location: Florida

I didnt know what forum to post this topic in so I figured "General" since its kind of a "general" topic lol

I have been on IRC for nearly 14 years now, and I've been to alot of networks and I have seen alot of websites for IRC networks, Some are very informative, some not so much. As its coming up on the 4 year anniversary of my network, I am considering doing an overhaul on our website. So I guess what I'm wanting to know from the public in general is ...

What kind of information do you look for on a IRC Network's website?

Currently, I think my site is very informative, but I'm not sure that its user friendly. What should be on the main index page? What kind of stats for the network do users look for, etc etc...

I hope I haven't over stepped any lines here by posting this topic. Since I haven't mentioned any network names or anything of that nature...

Thanks for the time, and forum admin's keep up the good work Smile

webcoder

Mary · SearchIRC Admin Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 692

Feel free to mention your network's name in the text. We don't allow it in the topic (except Network Announcements) because a few admins wised up to the fact that current topics (except Network Announcements) are listed on the SIRC home page and then we'd see 20 or 30 posts spamming their network and pushing every other topic to the back burner. *sigh* But in the text, fine. Go for it. :)

webcoder · Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 81 Location: Florida

LOL... in that case its

Xalaris Smile

www.xalaris.net

I'm just looking for suggestions on making my site more user friendly

katsklaw · Guru Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 1122

well I've only been on IRC for 12 years, and think of myself as an "unusual shopper" but I'll offer my opinion anyway.

Personally I don't generally go to a networks homepage unless I can't find something that should be blatantly obvious on IRC, such as help channels or urls linking to rules (yes, I'm one of the few that actually read rules first.)

I also look at server link apps, which IMHO tell a lot about a network. When you get a network that ask for things that really aren't needed, it's a clue to the admins lack of experience.

I also look at forums if the site has one, this to me is a great way to see how users are treated and at what level of experience the user is receiving help.

Most importantly, I look for rules that opers must follow. This tells me that the network is serious about oper abuse. I as a user like to know if the network in question has standard practices regarding opers that make themselves at home in my channel. I'm a firm believer in the network belongs to the users and the staff are just there to insure it's running properly. I do not believe that the network belongs to the net admin for them to do what they please on a whim.

I hope that's enough rambling, I could turn this topic into a 1500 page novel with little effort, but I'll spare you the boredom this time Smile

kat

webcoder · Newbie Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 81 Location: Florida

You made some good valid points and I appreciate the input Smile