(local copies of the ASCII and Postscript versions are also available)
Source: Masters Thesis, University of Tasmania
Date: November 1992
Abstract: Four case studies were conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of IRC as a communication system between collaborators. The results of these case studies show that although there were some operational problems with IRC, individuals working in collaborative work groups were able to communicate with each other. IRC has the ability to engender new collegial forms as well as supporting classical collegiality.
Author: Yanji Lama
Date: 21 December 1991
Abstract: Describes the use of IRC during the Gulf War, etc.
Abstract: pros and cons of IRC
Author: Christopher LLoyd
Date: 28 November 1993
Abstract: "Computer networks are the singles bars of the 1990s. Christopher Lloyd decodes the pillow-type." Focuses on IRC.
Date: 10 January 1994
Abstract: "Something is formed by the electrons, born in the silent cable. Shaping and growing and ungrowing. It is there yet not there. It is the source of Internet Relay Chat. I do not know the name, thus I will call it the Tao of Internet Relay Chat."
Source: RFC1324
Date: May 1992
Abstract: This memo is intended to make more people aware of the present developments in the Computer Conferencing field as well as put forward ideas on what should be done to formalize this work so that there is a common standard for programmers and others who are involved in this field to work with. It is also the intention of this memo to stimulate the computer community and generate some useful discussion about the merits of this field.
Source: Haverford College
Date: ?1992?
Abstract: Differences in communicative structure was studied on three electronic communication systems, two interactive (LambdaMOO and Internet-Relay Chat) and one non-interactive (VaxNotes, an electronic bulletin board), in two different subsettings (on each system, a topic focused on computing and a more general topic) by coding transcripts of conversations according to type of utterance. Significant results were found that the LambdaMOO setting had more greeting statements, statements indicating interaction with system code, statements relating to computing, and a trend toward more affectionate statements. Notes, however, contained the most biographical information statements, more statments coded "other", and a trend toward more humorous statements. The experimenters concluded that this study provides some basic data that can delineate the differences between different systems of electronic communication, and that can be generalized to speculate on some personality correlates of people who use these systems. However, the researchers also concluded that much more work needs to be done on both communicative and personality aspects of electronic communication.
Source: alt.irc.recovery, alt.fan.mike-jittlov, alt.dreams
Date: 1993
Abstract: Describes a 70's era chat system at California State University, and addiction to it.
Sponsored by 2meta Consulting and SunSITE.