Want to join us at Oscar Chat this coming sunday?
No idea where to start?
Fear not. Here's you're complete guide to the basics you'll need to know to take part in all the fun.
First off you'll need the right software. Those of you who are in to Instant Messaging may already have an IRC compatible program like mIRC or Trillian installed. While this might make chatting look prettier, you don't need it if you're a beginner or a casual chatter.
If you're a novice to the world of IRC I suggest you simply click
here and join the fun using our in-browser chat window. Just a couple of clicks and you'll be thrust toward the memoral hottub with ease.
Either way it's best to update your Java version. Downloads you'll need for any version are available here:
Java:
http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_automatic.jsp
Trillian:
http://www.download.com/Trillian/300...-10047473.html
mIRC:
http://www.mirc.com/get.html
GUIDE TO WEB-BASED JAVA CHAT
When you first click on Chat, you may be presented with a brief redirect screen. Then you MAY see something resembling the following:
It is vital that you click
YES on this alert box indicated by the red arrow. If you don't you won't be able to get into chat without rebooting your PC. Don't worry, it isn't going to install spyware or viruses or anything, it's just allowing the Java software to connect properly.
OK, now you've loaded the Chat application and you'll see the following screen:
You do not need to change any of the settings on this page. The only thing you need to change is the
Nickname section, again indicated by our helpful big arrow. Try to be creative and interesting with your choice of nickname. Chat mods will be under strict instructions to kick anyone who just uses the default name, sheerly out of principle, so be interesting.
After that click
Go! and you're ready to get Oscar Chatting...
This is the main chat window:
The largest window is the main chat window where you'll see what everyone's got to say for themselves. The smaller window on the right is the list of people currently in chat. Along the bottom you'll see your text-input box where you type in what you gotta say for yourself.
In the list of people currently in chat, a "@" symbol to the left of someone's username indicates they are one of the Chat Mod team.
These people are the friendly cast and crew here to run the place and help you out with any problems or queries you have. They will also be the ones giving out the prizes and making sure everyone has a good time and nobody ruins the fun. Feel free to go to them with any problems you may have.
This brings us to the next lesson. Private messaging. You can have private one-on-one chats with other members of Oscar Chat outside the main conversation. This will serve two main purposes during Oscar Chat. Firstly, you will be able to discuss any problems you are having with the Chat or other guests privately with the Mod Team.
Secondly and more importantly, Private Messaging will be the method being employed for the prize-giving sessions we are holding, so if you want to be in with a chance of winning a DVD, T-Shirt or signed copy of A Complete Guide To Trailer Trash, it's vital you know what you are doing.
To enter a Private Messaging conversation, simply double-click on a username from the guest list. When you do this a new tab window will open up, as indicated by the
blue arrow. In this new window you are free to chat privately with the guest you have chosen, instantly. You can them simply left-click between the tabs at the top of the screen to alternate between PMs and the main chat.
To end a PM conversation, simply right click the tab you wish to close.
GUIDE TO TRILLIAN-BASED CHAT
If you are upgrading to Trillian 3.0 it's vital you completely uninstall any previous versions of Trillian, including any folders which don't get deleted during the Uninstall process before you install Trillian 3.0. If you don't you may experience bugs with the program.
Bring up the main program window:
Click on the IRC button (the one on the far left) to bring up the drop-down menu and choose
Manage My Connections as shown.
This will bring up a new window:
Enter a name for the server in the first box. "Cinema Blend" makes sense, but "Taco's Cheesy Toejam Diner", though less sensible, would be equally as valid.
Then in the second box indicated by the red arrow type in
rtds.chaoticirc.com
In the third type in your witty and original NickName.
In the fourth type in another name incase you're not witty and original enough and somebody already has yours.
The fifth box is irrelevant but I like to shove my username in there anyway.
Then simply click on
Connect and wait...
If everything has gone to plan, the server window should appear:
You're now just one step away from Chat greatness. Simply enter
/join #cinemablend in this window to gain access to the hallowed halls of Cinema Blend Chat.
This is the main chat window:
The largest window is the main chat window where you'll see what everyone's got to say for themselves. The smaller window on the right is the list of people currently in chat. Along the bottom you'll see your text-input box where you type in what you gotta say for yourself.
In the list of people currently in chat, there will be two groups. Ops and Normal. People in the Ops section are the Cinema Blend Oscar Chat team.
These people are the friendly cast and crew here to run the place and help you out with any problems or queries you have. They will also be the ones giving out the prizes and making sure everyone has a good time and nobody ruins the fun. Feel free to go to them with any problems you may have.
This brings us to the next lesson. Private messaging. You can have private one-on-one chats with other members of Oscar Chat outside the main conversation. This will serve two main purposes during Oscar Chat. Firstly, you will be able to discuss any problems you are having with the Chat or other guests privately with the Mod Team.
Secondly and more importantly, Private Messaging will be the method being employed for the prize-giving sessions we are holding, so if you want to be in with a chance of winning a DVD, T-Shirt or signed copy of A Complete Guide To Trailer Trash, it's vital you know what you are doing.
To enter a Private Messaging conversation, simply double-click on a username from the guest list. When you do this a new window will open up, as shown above. In this new window you are free to chat privately with the guest you have chosen, instantly. You can them simply ALT+TAB between the windows to alternate between PMs and the main chat.
To end a PM conversation, simply close it like you would any other window.
GUIDE TO mIRC-BASED CHAT
That's the basics. People who have mIRC shouldn't need a tutorial as I will assume they know the basics. All you guys want to know is the connection information:
Server: rtds.chaoticirc.com
Port: 6667
Channel: #cinemablend
Get connecting
So there you have it, there's not much else you really need to know, except to bring your own beer and chips. If at any point during the chat session you wish to change your nickname simple enter the command
/nick followed by a space then the new name you want for yourself.
Come along, join the fun and I hope to see you there.
Linear Mode
