Ask HN: Does anyone still use IRC?
You want to see one of the most fascinating uses of IRC in a focused, dedicated community let me introduce you to the player group known as the "Fuel Rats" of Elite:Dangerous[1]. They use IRC for far more than just a hub to congregate and socialize, 100% of their actual dispatch operations are planned, coordinated and excuted on IRC.<p>If you run out of "fuel" in game, and you need a Fuel Rat to come rescue you, you do it in IRC. Dispatch talks to you in their IRC channel, other dispatchers are communicating in NOTAM[2] like notation with pilots out 'rescuing' other players.<p>It's amazing to behold.<p>[1] <a href="https://confluence.fuelrats.com/display/FRKB/Rescue+Standard+Operating+Procedures#RescueStandardOperatingProcedures-IRCandCommunications" rel="nofollow">https://confluence.fuelrats.com/display/FRKB/Rescue+Standard...</a><p>[2] <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAM</a><p>Disclosure: Fuel Rat 2010-2013, Retired.