How to politely use the Asterisk IRC channel

Asterisk power users and developers are often found conversing and socializing in the #asterisk channel of the freenode IRC network. There are some common guidelines that will help you get your questions answered.

  1. Don't be discouraged if someone does not immediately answer your questions. Sometimes questions will not be answered if a simple Google search can solve your issue.

  2. Please do not repeat your question multiple times in a short time frame. This is an easy way to annoy many of the users in the channel. If someone does not acknowledge you within 5 minutes of your query, it is safe to ask your question again. Do not be obnoxious about it, though.

  3. A lot of the users in the channel run professional consulting companies that request payment in exchange for help. Do not be discouraged by this; it is free market capitalization and is for the good of the Asterisk community. If you do not wish to pay for quality support, that is fine; many people will not answer your questions, however. Usually, if you're willing to pay for support, let it be known early on and your chances of receiving quality support will increase.

  4. The normal rules of Internet etiquette apply: please do not use ALL CAPS (which indicates yelling), do not use excessively foul language directed at another person in the channel, and overall, please behave. Being rude and obnoxious will only serve to get you ignored quickly.