HN Explorer

Good IRC channels

16 points by arclitgold ↗ HN
I've been on the #hackernews channel but no one ever talks there. I'm looking for a some good IRC channel suggestions - channels like HN... Nerds like me that like hardware/software/new frameworks/LINUX!, etc etc. I've tried lurking on places like #archlinux, #ruby, etc. But most of the time its people asking "How do I get my laptop keyboard controls working in Arch?" etc. While that is all fine and good, I'd like to read some real discussion!

15 comments

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Bahamut
Most of the time, tech related channels are for helping people with their problems with a particular tech - if discussions happen, then it usually is because there was a question where discussion is important for crafting the right approach.

That said, I have liked some of the discussions in #angularjs - there are some smart regulars in the channel, and sometimes discussion veers into other topics of interest.

arclitgold
understood and agree... just thought I would ask the crew of folks on HN since there's gotta be channels all these smart folks hang out on!
califield
#bbg on Freenode is a channel for HTML5 canvas game hacking. I try to poke my head in and listen once in a while.
nickysielicki
If you're looking for a discussion community, choose smaller channels/projects and get aquainted with other regulars. If you're looking to learn things and have technical discussions, the trick is not to just find a good channel... It doesn't really work like that. Try to find things you enjoy discussing and have IRSSI ping you when any channel you're in has that discussed.

Don't be afraid to be the guy asking, "How do I get my laptop keyboard controls working in arch." A lot of time great discussion will pop up from people trying to one-up each other in their perfect answer to that and you will either end up learning things you didn't know, or you can correct someone and others will learn from you. Just don't ask anything google can answer like, "what is 0xDECAFBAD in decimal?"

My favorite freenode channels: #gnu ##crypto ##javascript ##linux #perl #python #android ##math #latex #programming ##electronics

Spoom
If a new, small, close-knit community is your style, try irc.binarii.wtf #binarii . We just started the network a couple of weeks ago and tend to be developers and net admins.
gesman
I have to admit IRC always been my top resource for getting quick and up to the point help.
BBoingo
#bitcoin-assets on freenode is a good one with frequent discussion
sexy_saffron
No. It is a disgusting channel that is filled with white men who seriously advocates for slavery, rape, and frequently makes threats of violence against people who they don't like.

I used to go there. The complete lack of decency and empathy for anyone who is not a rich white man that subscribes to their cult has turned me away from IRC in general.

RealSexySaffron
Please do not pretend to be me. Let's not be weird. Thank you! :)

-----BEGIN BITCOIN SIGNED MESSAGE-----

Comment: Signed by Bitcoin Armory v0.92.3

RealSexySaffron is the Real Sexy Saffron ;)

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Adlai
Definitely an interesting channel. Most any topic is fair game for discussion, and the channel pretty much never sleeps. Bear in mind that freedom of speech swings both ways:

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."

RealSexySaffron
I like #bitcoin-assets! I did some work for MP a while back and the guys there were nothing but nice to me! I'm not sure why someone would want to impersonate me to give the impression that I don't like them, but here's proof I am who I say I am:

-----BEGIN BITCOIN SIGNED MESSAGE-----

Comment: Signed by Bitcoin Armory v0.92.3

RealSexySaffron is the Real Sexy Saffron ;)

-----BEGIN BITCOIN SIGNATURE-----

HCrijlYlB4sliE7lm/kYNewmhP9n05fZ6aQ6fLtfEQTSEYqHENecvcJlNrEc/1YQ GFHb4UKyP0qvQOICjPzglyQ= =NCpw

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Very weird :)