Show HN: Hnguardian, a bot for the new #hackernews channel on Freenode
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Couldn't commands like !username be issued in private messages instead of the public channel? Worse than the bot responding in public, it has two lines when a nick doesn't have a username linked to it. In one example, someone was looking for user information and was drowning out conversation in the channel with bot messages (probably unintentionally), making 4 or 5 queries, most without a linked username.
Another suggestion: stop the welcome /msg from hnguardian for people who either don't have a HN handle or don't want to link it. I realize it may be somewhat counter to goals of HN (since it would likely prefer people to both have a handle and link it) but for those who'd prefer otherwise it would be a better experience. This is probably only possible with registered IRC handles, but would be a step in the right direction.
EDIT: I've tried to fix/upgrade everything. Now all commands are strictly PM based, except !show which works with both (obviously). Linking accounts should no longer be an issue, the bot is using Algolia and takes into account it's delay. The bot now only PM's people the first time they ever join #hackernews (and only if they're on a registered account) just to let them know about it once. If we end up getting moderators (dang plz[0]) this would also be a good place to put a message about what sort of behavior is expected in the channel and what's considered off-topic/etc.
[0] https://github.com/Shizmob/pydle
EDIT: fixed reference to [0]
Edit: Switched to only using Algolia's API. Hopefully things are working now :)
Edit: Had a little more patience, which paid off.
Refreshingly simple, but I'm also a little afraid, now ;-)
It would be great it someone officially associated with HN could contact the Freenode stuff (mail or maybe ask in #help first to understand what is required) to claim that channel.
In an ideal world operator permissions wouldn't be required on IRC, but ... I'm sure it won't be long before the channel will be flooded/attacked. Calling for help in #help works in some cases, but having local users that are able to intervene would be better.
Can I invoke kogir/dang to have a look at this maybe?
01:26 -ChanServ(ChanServ@services.)- Channel #hackernews is not registered.
There's no Operator in there. No one will get operator permissions unless _all_ people leave first, the first to rejoin will be the new 'owner'. A different scenario is a split, where people might get to own the channel in a segment of the network.
That's all fine, until the first trolls and spammers join the channel. Being able to issue mutes/bans IS helpful on IRC.
Note that this is not related to the power structure. Flat is good. The idea bramgg seems to suggest is that someone grabs the channel in his role as a YC/HN representative and 'donates' it to the people inside. Give 5-10 people permissions and .. leave it alone. THAT's the idea. Not HN staff patrolling that channel.