Why is everyone so quiet?

childowind · none Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 2

I know that this is probably something really stupid, but I'm completely new to the entire IRC experience so bear with me.

I'm using IceChat and I am able to connect to servers and channels just fine, however no one seems to be talking. No matter what channel, or how many people are there, or how long I stay, there simply is nothing coming through. I have the same problem with Search IRC's java client.

I know that this is not a problem with my firewall because I completely turned that off to test whether or not it was blocking messages from coming through, so now I'm at a loss. Can anyone help?

FBI · Posted: May 05, 2007 9:00pm Post subject: Re: Why is everyone so quiet?

Jobe · Posted: May 06, 2007 4:20am Post subject:

Real life does exist. Contrary to popular belief on IRC it isn't just a myth thought up to scare young IRC'ers.

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

childowind, it depends on the type of channel you're joining and the time of day for most of the members. You're most likely to be met with a massive wall of silence in warez/trading channels where people idle while downloading. Network channels, help channels, and discussion groups (religion, politics, mental health, etc - look through the directory on our home page) are more likely to be active. Also consider the time of day. Channels are most active when its between 3pm and 1 am for most of the members. Since IRC is international, that could be any time relative to you.