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[Megabytte]

This forum thread has only answered 1 of my 3 questions. I don't expect instant results but I need quicker help. I always see that modders post on how to contact them through IRC. My question is: What is IRC and how do I use it? How do I contact a modder through IRC? Idk why I can't figure it out, but anyway I need help.

[Alamurla]

IRC or Internet Relay Chat is an old school version of the newer IM/chat programs today.

IRC is hosted by various servers around the world.  Each server hosts their own channel, in which we all chat.

Forge uses the channel #MinecraftForge on the esper.net server

 

To chat with anyone else monitoring the #MinecraftForge channel you will need some software to connect to the esper.net server.  The easiest way is to go to www.esper.net and up at the top right click "chat now".  A browser based IRC client will be launched and all you need to do is choose a nickname and channel to join.

 

Stand alone clients are quite common, I personally use Xchat2, but others such as mIRC are popular as well.

 

Once you are more familiar with IRC and wish to protect your chosen nickname, the servers website will list all the details on how to register your nickname to password protect it.

 

Edit:  Also, just like the forums, most of the users in IRC will likely not answer immediately, if at all.  Always assume if you get no response, that no one there knows the answer, or more likely, is away from the keyboard.  Most users keep themselves logged in 24/7 and read the chat history periodically.  If there are a lot of active, knowledgeable people on-line, you will get great support.  If they are all busy updating to 1.5.1, sleeping, or otherwise somewhere else...  well, you will be talking to yourself