I was exploring an obscure Linux distro when I noticed they’re contact page had an IRC client. You can connect to the IRC via Matrix, but the people there prefer pure IRC.

My question is do other programmers use IRC? Also why?

  • @onlinepersonaEnglish
    -3•6 months ago

    I don’t and pretty much refuse to unless it goes through matrix. It’s archaic, has cryptic commands, and serves only the purpose of stroking ego + gatekeeping.

    Same as mailinglists. It might take another 10 years for both to finally die.

    CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

    • Palacegalleryratio [he/him, any]
      English
      5•6 months ago

      Totally agree. IRC and Mailing lists used to be the best option for platform agnostic open source communities, but when better options exist it’s now used out of stubbornness. Even if not intentional, use of these systems with their own cliques and etiquettes now acts mostly as gatekeeping through obscurity and are off putting to outsiders who may well be prevented from participating.