What is an op? What's the difference between someone who is opped on the channel and someone who is an op on the bot?

A channel operator is someone with an @ next to their name, who has the power to kick and ban unwanted people. In #babyfurs, we distinguish between people who have an @ right now (I'll call this people with an @), and people who could if they asked the bot to give them one (they are all ops, even if they don't have an @ right now).

How can I become an op?

Right now, you can't, unless one of the admins makes you one (they will let you know). This will change soon, please, don't bug us about it.

I'm an op but the bot doesn't give me an @ when I come in...

No, it doesn't. Uncawuff, the bot, only gives you an @ when you ask for it. Read on below to find out when and how you can do this.

When should I ask for it?

Either when there is something that needs to be done by an operator right now, such as kick out someone who's being unpleasant, or when you want to take responsibility. Having an @ by your name is like a police badge; it comes with certain powers, but also duties. If you are sitting in the channel with an @, you should be prepared to have people come to you with problems. If you aren't prepared to listen to them and take action if neccecary, then don't take an @.

What can I do with my @?

You can kick people and set bans. You are expected to do this responsibly and carefully. If you kick/ban the bot or any of the admins, the bot will automatically revoke your ops, so don't.

Bans you set as an op will be removed by the bot after six hours. If you think the user in question is likely to be a recurring problem and needs a permanent ban, send a note or email to one of the admins, preferably at the time, explaining what happened, the date and time (and your timezone), and what you think needs to be done. You don't need to send logs of the channel as the bot already keeps them. If it's something that you think should be discussed, feel free to post on the Feedback/Discussion forum here, but make sure you send email or a bot note if it's urgent.

The bot keeps removing my @!

The bot will remove it if you have been idle on the channel for two hours. If you are not actively paying attention to the channel, you are not taking responsibility. Note that you can take it back again after the bot removes it, but if you do that and then continue to idle, we will revoke your ops.

OK, I read all that, now, how do I get the bot to give me an @?

Make sure the bot recognises you (i.e. does not ask you who you are when you join the channel), then:

/msg uncawuff op mypassword