 The roots of #Just4Fun go back well over 2 years ago to a room called #New2mIRC on Dalnet. This channel was one of many "default" channels listed on the latest version of mIRC, the chat client that most people were using at that time. Because of this, many people passed through (and some of us stayed) in this channel. In May of 1996, due to net splits, #New2mIRC moved to the Undernet and became #mIRC_lounge. #mIRC_lounge continued the role of a mIRC "help" channel on the Undernet. Among the many members of #New2mIRC and #mIRC_lounge was Debo^, Juju^, Norm, Ratt, TnMan, carol^, Bdub and Roxee. By this time, many friendships had begun to form, and these chatters decided to stick together, regardless of the lag, net splits and channel splits. Soon after the move to Undernet, several members decided to move on and start a new channel. In July of '96, #Just4Fun was formed by some of the above mentioned people. All was well on the Undernet for awhile but by September of '96 the lag monster was so bad that #J4F decided to move to one of the new and smaller nets, Starlink. It was in Starlink that #J4F really started to grow together and become the channel it is today. Again, net problems prompted #J4F to move to Starlink-IRC March 30, 1997, where we are today, and plan on staying for a long, long time. Our first channel reunion was held in Newport, Tennessee on July 17-20, 1997. 38 chatters and members of their families attended and experienced a weekend not to soon be forgotten. Many were nervous at first about the thought of actually meeting someone in in person, who they had only typed to in a chat channel. However, the nervousness quickly vanished as each person realized that the friendships that had been formed online over the past months went much deeper than they ever imagined. It was surprising for many to see that the personalities seen online were identical to those offline and that chatters do offer each other unconditional friendship. Channel t-shirts were designed and a fun-filled autograph session held and we all left our marks on each others shirts. IRC Reunions are unique in that all those in attendance have so much in common already, the conversations tend to continue late into the nite. Many attendees brought their spouses and children and it was amazing to see how all family members fit into the #Just4Fun family. Plans for the next reunion began in Tennessee. Those present vowed to not miss another chance to get together and friends who were unable to make the trip, after hearing stories and viewing pictures, know they don't want to miss another one! Michigan will be the site for the 1998 reunion with Virginia being a possibility for 1999. It is interesting to sit and evaluate the positive impact IRC chatting has had on many of the regular members of #Just4Fun. Unless people experience chatting for themselves, they never quite understand what it is all about. It has become a place where people can go to visit with friends, play games, listen to music, tease and aggravate each other, cheer someone when they are down, receive encouragement in times of trouble, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, discuss current events and cheer for your favorite sports team. It is a place where you might have a scavenger hunt, an on-line baby shower and serves as a safe haven for many, away from the daily stresses. I think the most remarkable aspect of chat is that it can be a source of comfort and strength, where you may find friends praying for you and your family or friends.
Most recent revision Wednesday, November 12, 1997  |