IRC Guide
So, you're either new to the site, or just new to the ChibiPaws IRC. There's already info on how to get there, and about ChibiIdle, so I won't go into those things.
First off, a big thing: For those of you who don't know what an IRC is: An IRC is pretty much a chatroom, kinda like MSN, or AIM, or Yahoo. People go there to chat with others in live time. Here are some important links-
ChibiPaws IRC Rules
ChibiPaws IRC
ChibiPaws IRC Wiki Article
Here are some tips so us people down at the IRC don't call you a n00b.
1) Do NOT use numbers in your nickname in the IRC. It comes off as very n00bish.
2) BE LITERATE. Gosh, I have to say this a lot in the IRC. It's a rule, and we get VERY annoyed when people talk like this:
"hi how r u what r u up 2"
Instead of typing out their words and using proper grammar and punctuation:
"Hi, how are you? What are you up to?"
We don't mind the occasional lol, rofl, bbl, brb, ect. But don't go overboard.
3) This goes along with #2. DO NOT ALWAYS WRITE IN CAPS. Online, this is the equivalent to yelling. Also, do not add a thousand exclamation points or question marks. 10 or more, and Muffinz (the bot) will kick you.
4) People. Muffinz isn't human. Neither is Intoxicated (Intoxi). They are bots run by Jared.
5) Do not repeat yourself too much. Muffinz or a channel Op will kick you for this too, and most likely, after you're kicked, someone will go, "lol n00b". Known fact.
6) Do NOT send anyone a private message, unless it is important. Ones that only say "Hi", etc., are found HIGHLY annoying.
7) When you come in and no one responds, don't keep going "hi hello r u there???". If no one answers, they are either not at the computer, or not paying attention to the IRC at the moment. A lot of us keep the IRC up and open at all times because of ChibiIdle. We're really not ignoring you!
8 ) Don't leave one second after you come in. It's is understandable if your connection goes out, though. Coming in and leaving one after the other is SPAM and it can and will get your IP banned from the IRC!
9) Only n00bs will disobey the operators and owner of the channel. If they tell you you're doing something wrong, listen to them and stop. Remember: They can kick you for any reason they see fit. (Note: Channel Operators have a @ by their name. Jared has a ~ by his. Half Operators have a % by theirs. If you see these symbols and the person is telling you to not do something, LISTEN TO THEM!)
10) ChibiPaws.com and the ChibiPaws IRC channel are NOT a dating service. Do not ask if someone is single. This also includes saying that you're hot, and asking for someone to be your partner.
11) Unlike the site, the IRC is rated PG-13. We do curse. So don't come back to the site and complain about it to the moderators. And if you're under 13, you shouldn't be there in the first place. ;D
12) Do not ask someone to talk to you. We all talk in one big group. Join into the current conversation.
13) Don't complain if you're bored. We. Don't. Care. Leave the chat if you're bored. This is also against the rules!
14) When you have to go for a moment, DON'T EXIT THE IRC (unless it's absolutely necessary!). It's annoying to see one person leave and enter seconds later.
15) Don't constantly change your nickname. The Ops can see your IP address, and know it's you, especially if you're impersonating another IRCer.
16) Not everyone will like you. Get over it. Don't pester the person who doesn't like you asking by why and such. Ignore them, and make other friends.
17) Do NOT waltz into the IRC and ask "will you be my friend?". WE. NEED. TO. GET. TO. KNOW. YOU. And don't just say, "I'm nice" and junk. We need to chat with you and get to know you. Only n00bs ask complete strangers to be friends.
18 ) Do not ask anyone "ASL (age/gender/location)". This goes along with the dating thing. Asking about this information could make other IRCers nervous, or annoyed. (suggested by ShadowsTear)
19) Just because an Operator isn't paying attention to the IRC, or isn't there, doesn't mean you can break the rules. Others WILL report you, and you can get banned at any time, even if you're not there. The IRC chats are LOGGED and Jared can access them for any time on any date.
20) ChibiPaws has Live Support again! So you can stop bugging us in the IRC with questions! c: Seriously, the IRC is a place to talk, not have questions answered. An occasional "how do I get the ___ avatar?" and such is fine, but we've been having n00bs coming in asking how to do EVERYTHING on the site. It's quite annoying.
Please remember: The IRC isn't a "regular" chat room. We have rules that are strictly enforced by our channel Operators.