Papers: Communications: Synchronous: Chats


Electropolis: Communication and Commumity on Internet Relay Chat

Author: Elizabeth M. Reid
Source: Honours Thesis, University of Melbourne, Department of History
Date: 1991
Abstract: This paper discusses interaction on 'Internet Relay Chat', the synchronous computer-mediated communication system available on that network. It is shown that the structure of IRC forces users to deconstruct many of the cultural tools that form the basis of more conventional systems of interaction. Within this environment new methods of creating shared systems of significance, and methods of enforcing that new hegemony, have developed. IRC's internal system of cultural deconstruction and regeneration is mirrored in its implications for the external system of academic discourse. It is proposed that the forms of interaction seen on IRC problematize and necessitate the reconstruction of some of the methods of analysis that have been applied to computer-mediated communication. IRC - and computer-mediated communication in general - offer challenges to disciplines such as linguistics, sociology and history that demand a reconstruction of those discourses.

ASCII (116k) or Postscript (536k)

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Collegiality in Cyberspace, case studies in computer mediated communication

Author: Cheryl Vincent

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.

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College newspaper article about IRC

Source: The Michigan Daily, Ann Arbor, MI

Author: Yanji Lama

Date: 21 December 1991

Abstract: Describes the use of IRC during the Gulf War, etc.

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IRC Security thread from comp.unix.admin

Date: 1991

Abstract: pros and cons of IRC

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"The great love byte; Computer networks"

Source: The Sunday Times (UK)

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.

ASCII (9k)


The Tao of IRC

Author: Ove Ruben R Olsen, et al

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."

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A Discussion on Computer Network Conferencing

Author: Darren Reed

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.

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Conversational Structure and Personality Correlates of Electronic Communication

Author: Jill Serpentelli

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.

ASCII (118k)


Early Chat: usenet post about a 70's chat systems

Author: Gharlane of Eddore

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.

ASCII (6k)


IRC and Sexuality Research Notes

Date: 1992 Abstract: Logs and survey results from a 1992 research paper about sexuality and marriage on IRC.

HTML: http://sunsite.unc.edu/dbarberi/papers/chats/irc-sex/


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