Finding a Topic

Email, Listservs, and Newsgroups Telnet Sites Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Internet Relay Chat (or IRC) is probably one of the most popular and well-known forms of synchronous communication, or real-time conferencing. More recent technological developments and the proliferation of multimedia computers have meant a wide variety of developments in IRC client programs as well, including programs that allow for real-time audio and video as well as text communication, including programs such as Internet Chat and CUSeeMe. IRC is similar to the very popular and easy-to-use "chat rooms"found on many commercial sites, with separate channels available for various topics. You may also set up your own channels and moderate discussions, if desired. Like MOOs and MUDs, IRC channels are sites to meet with people from around the world and discuss various topics in real time. You can conduct online interviews in these spaces with a wide variety of people, conduct surveys, or ethnographic studies. Different "channels" in the IRC network represent distinct communities, or topics. There are IRC channels devoted to social issues, sports and music, and individual vocations. Before logging a conversation or using it in your paper, however, make sure you ask permission, and accurately cite sources. A Point to Remember Whenever you are collecting information, it is important to keep in mind that you will want to know where or how you got the information. It is much easier to keep a record of your sources when you find them than it is to try to relocate the information later. As you save comments or messages, note the information you will need to cite the source later (see Citing Your Sources for more information). Also remember, before recording or saving information gathered in these sites, you should request permission.

© 1999 by Addison Wesley Longman A division of Pearson Education