 | We can only help with questions about English Wikipedia! |
IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat. There are several different chat rooms available for Wikipedia. #wikipedia-en-help connect is the primary channel for both new and experienced editors seeking real-time web-based help on using and editing the English Wikipedia. Unlike #wikipedia connect and #wikipedia-en connect, Wikipedia's more central channels, #wikipedia-en-help is specifically oriented to help new users. Regular members of the channel, "helpers" are voiced (the IRC channel mode +v), to distinguish the helpers from those requesting help.
Because #wikipedia-en-help is specifically designed for helping (primarily, but not limited to) our newest users – an IRC equivalent to Wikipedia:Teahouse – it is important that helpers be patient, friendly and understanding. The range of questions is usually rather straightforward (see #Dealing with common queries), but the majority of people who come to the channel for help do not always know how the channel works. Therefore, channel conduct should reflect this. "Noise" (excessive off-topic chatter) should be moved to another channel, for example #wikimedia-social connect or ##chat connect, especially when there are users requesting or receiving help. However, it is important to remember that greetings and minor off-topic remarks while people aren't being assisted are perfectly acceptable. If an extended conversation is conflicting with user(s) requesting help, they should be asked politely to move it elsewhere.
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