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.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.It's amazing to behold.[1] https://confluence.fuelrats.com/display/FRKB/Rescue+Standard...[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOTAMDisclosure: Fuel Rat 2010-2013, Retired.