FreenodeIRC is an InternetRelayChat network that is a well known gathering place for OpenSource projects since way back. It began as channel #openprojects on the Electronic Frontier Foundation's EFFnet IRC network and grew quickly into its own network called Openprojects IRC.
The name was changed to Freenode when The Peer-Directed Projects Center officially filed as a Texas non-profit organization formed specifically to maintain the IRC network. Read all about FreenodeIRC at their website: http://www.freenode.net
Some notable channels
Tune your IRC client to irc.freenode.net and /join in on the fun!
Channels:
- #freenode - The network's administration and general discussion channel
- #debian - Very large channel for discussing the Debian GNU/Linux operating system
- #gentoo - Large channel for discussing the Gentoo Linux operating system
- #freebsd - Large channel for discussing the FreeBSD operating system
- #perl - Big channel for discussing the Perl programming language
- #python - Big channel for discussing the Python programming language
- #wikipedia - Big channel for discussing WikiPedia - the free encyclopedia
- #gnu - A small channel that is home for the GNU project
- #poe - A tiny channel for discussing the Perl Object Environment
- many many more
And closer to Home
- #wiki - A channel for discussing Wiki software and culture
- #onebigsoup A channel for OneBigSoup and gobby
- #wikiproject A channel for discussing WikiProject coordination
- #ozonefarm - Tiny channel for discussing online communities of interest and practice
- many many more
Be a Catalyst
The Freenode philosophy from the Peer-Directed Projects Center:
- "The "catalyst" role is critical to freenode and an essential building block of channels. No one is required to be a catalyst, but the users who perform this role ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the network."