FAQ: What can Staff do & not do?

IRC4Fun Staff have special abilities and permissions that allow them to do more than normal users.  This is to aid (or serve) users and help in conflict resolutions.  HOWEVER, Staff are not “gods” and just because you have powers; does not mean that you should necessarily use them.  See below for some common misconceptions about being an IRC4Fun Staff member.

 As a Staff member, I can use my /SAMODE (or OperServ) to set modes in channels where I do not normally have any access.

 This is NOT correct.  (Please refer to the IRC4Fun Acceptable Operating Policy.)  If you do not have access (via ChanServ) or were given op in a channel, you are NOT allowed to use /SAMODE or OperServ to set, change modes, add/remove bans/quiets/etc.  (This includes if the channel is being flooded, spammed or attacked.)  You MAY, however, use your oper abilities to punish the abusive users with a warning /KILL, etc.

As a Staff member, users cannot ban me from their channels.

This is NOT correct.  (Please refer to the IRC4Fun Acceptable Operating Policy as well as the Acceptable Use Policy.) Users are allowed to run their channels as they please, and likewise can kick and ban anyone (including Staff) as they see fit, for any reason (or no reason).  The only caveat to this policy is if the Staff members are attending to official network business, such as joining to ask about the channel and what it may be used for — if investigating abuse reports or suspicious activity.  This should be discussed with other Staff members prior to conducting such business, so that there are other witnesses.  This should never be used in a retaliatory manner, or to exert power over users or channels.  (Such incidents will be investigated for abuse.)

 A user has reported to me that someone has threatened them — what do I do?

 This is important, and while we take this seriously — the correct response is that the user should contact their Local Law Enforcement (Police) if they feel threatened, provide any logs, screenshots or evidence.  A /WHOIS response may also be helpful if the user is still online while they are screenshot’ing their evidence.

It is important to understand that IRC4Fun is unable to perform any action; such as contacting authorities for the victim.  The victim must contact their appropriate local authorities, and should do so if they think the threat is credible.  If any IRC4Fun Staff observes the threats (such as witnessing the threat in a channel), the Staff member should take action to remove the threatening user from the network.  (Please understand, however, that IRC4Fun cannot release any information on users unless compelled by Law Enforcement, as indicated in our Privacy Policy)