Because the communities are pretty much the same, ZeldaInformer currently shares a chat room with VGRC (#vgrc). If things become to unmanageable in the future, then we'll split it off into its own room. If you're looking for a place to discuss Zelda theories, please visit #loztheory. Instructions on how to do so can be found below.

Before getting started... read the rules!

The chat rooms are noticeably more laid-back than the forums. However, there are still some rules to follow:
1) No warez/fserves/dcc'ing AT ALL: This is a rule given to us by irc.gnug.org, the server that hosts our chat room, which makes it the most important of all the rules on the list. Not only will we uphold it, but the server admins will uphold it as well.
2) No pornography: Keep things clean, folks, we've got children around.
3) No nick stealing or impersonating others: Again, a server rule, and for good reason: We don't want people trolling with someone elses name.
4) No ban evasion: If you get banned, don't try to get around it. If you do, we'll simply report you to the server admins, and you'll be gone from the entire server.
5) DON'T MESS WITH THE BOT: We've got a bot in the chat room for stats purposes. It isn't in there all the time, but when it is, just leave it alone. It collects data for the IRC stats page. Don't mess with it, please.

And now... your friendly IRC ops!
We've got a growing community in our chat room, and it requires people to manage it. That's where the IRC ops come in! These are the people who keep things under control. They are identifyable by having either a ~, &, @ or % next to their names.

How do I join?
Simple. There are two ways:
1) You can use an IRC chat client such as mIRC or XChat (or Colloquy for Mac users). Simply use the following info to connect:
* Server: irc.gnug.org
* Channel: #vgrc

2) You can use VGRC's integrated webchat. Simply click here and you're in!

How does this blasted contraption work?
Yeah, we know, you can't figure out what the hell to do. Luckily for you, you have this handy guide.

The chat room uses IRC, which is a special chat protocol that uses a lot of command lines to do special things. (Which also makes it very easy to keep under control)

What is a command line? Simple. It's a line that's a command! OK, I'm just messing with ya. It's basically a command you say, which performs certain actions. Now, the first commands you'll need to know involve your name. To change your name at any time, simply type: /nick yourname

Simple, no? Well, is what you'll want to do is register your name, which can protect your identity. After you are using the name you want, type this:
/msg nickserv register insertpassword insertrealemail

You will then be e-mailed a confirmation code, which you will need to copy and paste into the chat to finish registration. Now, whenever you are in the chat, simply type the identify command to identify yourself with the chat server. Don't know it? Easy. It's this:
/msg nickserv identify yourpassword

Also, if some scallywag is using your name, don't be afraid to boot them using the ghost command to protect your identity. It looks like this:
/msg nickserv ghost yourname yourpassword

Now that you've got your name sorted out, you can move on to other commands, here's a short list of the most commonly used commands:

/join #channel - Makes you join a channel. Example: /join #vgrc

/msg nickname - Opens a private chat. Example: /msg UncleMeat

/me action - Produces an action message. Example: /me goes for a walk

Tell me more!
Hey, what do you think this site is, an information resource? :P

OK. There is also special levels of channel privliges, which are shown by people having special symbols in front of their names. There is voice (+) which shows channel VIP access, meaning mature people. Then there is the channel operators, whom bear the %, @, & and ~ symbols. Ops are given to trustworthy people, usually staff members.

Still want more? Simply visit http://mirc.com/irc.html for a much more in-depth guide to IRC chat.

Happy chatting!