OncoChatTM
Information for Regulars
Who, or what, is Q?
The Q is our near-omnipotent, near-omniscient channel robot, or 'bot'. This virtual being is on duty 24 hours a day, keeping the channel (chat room) open, providing operator status and preventing malicious users from taking over. Q is largely indifferent to the affairs of the non-Q beings and won't answer you if you attempt to chat with him. In the event Q goes on vacation or calls in sick, we rely on the services of our highly trained and vigilant security staff - Emma and Lucy.
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How to Register your Nickname
OncoChat has a service called 'NickServ' that protects user nicknames. If you are a regular visitor to OncoChat and you wish to reserve your nickname for your use only, you must register the name with NickServ.
When you are connected to the OncoChat server, type:
/nickserv register [password] [email]
Example:
/nickserv register hershey123 janet@choc.com
Now, whenever you connect to the server, you will be asked to authenticate your nickname by entering your password. Respond by typing:
/nickserv identify [password]
Authentication prevents other from using your nickname.
Hint: You may wish to add the authentication line as a mIRC Auto Perform command.
Our Channel Operators @ &
OncoChat Channel Operators (Ops) are long time regulars who have been entrusted as chat room moderators and guides. They know most of the regulars and can often connect visitors with someone in a similar situation. Channel Ops can be identified by the '@' or '&' next to their nickname.
Our Ops are not "police officers." However, an Op will often 'whois' a new or unknown nickname and ask some introductry questions. We're not being nosey, just protective! Ops also have the ability to remove individuals who are abusive or acting in a nonsupportive manner.
If you are a channel operator, you will find these links useful:
- ChanServ Commands
- NickServ Commands
- Commands Available in mIRC
- Comparison of IRC Clients
- Resolve Host/Reverse Lookup
- OncoChat Server Information
Munchausen by Internet: Faking Illness Online
It happens. Fakers will visit us. Our more experienced channel operators can often identify these emotional vampires, but not always. As a regular, you need to be aware of that possibility. Please read this article from Self Help Magazine (by Dr. Marc D. Feldman). Here is an excerpt:
"Unfortunately, cyberspace resources are sometimes deliberately misused by people intent on deceiving others. False product claims in spam are perhaps the best-known example. But even in the relative intimacy of health support groups, individuals may choose to mislead others by pretending to have illnesses they do not. They divert the attention of the group toward their feigned battles with cancer, multiple sclerosis, anorexia nervosa, or other ailments. The eventual discovery of the deceptions can be devastating. One group member called it "emotional rape" to have cared so deeply about a person who lied to her and others from his first post on."
Also read Dr. Feldmans original article about this subject, as published in the Journal of the Southern Medical Association
Other related articles:
Cybersickness - Munchausen by Internet Breeds a Generation of Fakers, by Francine Russo
Sympathy-Seekers Invade Internet Support Groups, By Jim Morelli, RPh