Guidelines for IRC Administrators/Operators
Basic Modes
Server Modes:
- +a - admin - see who is an admin
- +b - bots - See flood messages from bots/drones
- +c - cconn - See client connections and disconnections
- +d - debug - See debug messages
- +f - full - See when an I: line gets full
- +i - invisible - Hide from NAMES/WHO commands unless sharing a channel
- +k - skill - See KILL messages sent by the server
- +l - locops - Special flag for IRC Operators
- +n - nchange - See nickname changes
- +o/O - oper - Operator status (o = local, O = global)
- +r - rej - See rejected client connections
- +s - servnotice - See general server notices and splits
- +w - wallop - See WALLOPS sent by the server
- +x - external - See external server connection attempts
- +y - spy - See who issues LINKS, STATS, TRACE and /whois requests on you
- +z - operwall - See operator WALLOPS
Channel Modes:
- +n - No external messages.
- +t - Only ops/half-ops can change the topic.
- +s - Secret channel (hidden from /whois and /list).
- +p - Private channel.
- +m - Moderated (only voiced/op users can speak).
- +i - Invite-only.
- +c - No color messages allowed.
- +H - No spam (blocks www/http links).
- +N - No channel notices allowed.
- +A - Admin only (only operators can join).
Operator Commands
SQUIT <server> [reason]Disconnects a server from the network.
KILL <nick> <reason>Forcibly disconnects a user from the network. Local operators can only kill users on their own server.
STATS <letter> [server|nick]Shows various server statistics.
CONNECT <server_A> [port] [server_B]Forces servers to link and route traffic.
WALLOPS :<message>Sends a broadcast message to all operators holding the +zw flag.
KLINE <nick|user@host> :[reason]Bans a user from the local server. Can also take a time parameter in minutes.
I. Operator-User Relationships
This is the most important part of being an operator. You must be polite and help users when they ask questions. Never look down on them. Killing a user just because they flooded your private messages is poor practice; operators are expected to use /ignore like normal users.
II. Using KILL, KLINE and GLINE
Always provide a valid reason when using these commands. Do not abuse these privileges for personal reasons. Keep logs of all administrative actions in case of disputes. GLINEs (Global lines) affect the entire network and should be used strictly for severe abuse.
III. Bot Hunting
Bots are automated scripts often used for flooding. They can usually be detected by doing a CTCP VERSION request (e.g., eggdrop) or by scanning typical bot ports (3344, 4433, etc.).
IV. Channel Interference
As a network operator, your job is to maintain the server infrastructure, NOT to police individual channels or settle ownership disputes. Do not interfere in channel politics.
V. Final Notes
Remember that holding an operator status is a responsibility, not a right to exercise pointless authority over others.