1. What is DraconicNet?
2. How did DraconicNet start?
3. How do I log onto the network?
4. Do I need an account at www.draconic.com to use DraconicNet?
5. What do people mean when they say they are dragons?
6. What is roleplaying, and why do most people not do it here?
7. What is 'yiff'?
8. I think I'm a dragon, who can I talk to about it?
9. I'm not a dragon, am I welcome here?
10. Who should I go to with questions and concerns?
11. Who are Nickserv, Chanserv, and MemoServ?
12. Why is Nickserv telling me I have to change my name?
13. If I register a nick on DraconicNet, is that my username/password for www.draconic.com?
14. May I create my own channel on the network?
15. How do I become a network operator?
16. How do I add my server to DraconicNet?
17. Are you sure you're not roleplaying?

1. What is DraconicNet?
DraconicNet is the IRC network associated with Draconic, the online community for dragons, by dragons.

2. How did DraconicNet start?
The channel #draconic began on DALnet because early users of the website found its Java chat system to be ineffective. Over time, #draconic moved to various networks until IRC servers specifically for it were created, and thus, DraconicNet was born (or hatched, perhaps)

3. How do I log onto the network?
If you’re unfamiliar with IRC, the quickest way to get connected is through the website. Follow this link: http://www.draconic.com/main/jchat/default.asp - if you have an account on the Draconic website, you’ll be allowed to access the network easily. If you already have an IRC client, simply specify your server as irc.draconic.com, and you’ll be set. If you would like to learn more about how to use IRC commands, or where to get a client, an excellent guide can be found here: http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/irctutorial.html

4. Do I need an account at www.draconic.com to use DraconicNet?
You will need a Draconic web account if you wish to connect to the IRC network using our java client. Anybody with an IRC client, however, may connect to the network without a Draconic web account.

5. What do people mean when they say they are dragons?
Draconity means different things to different people. It is fair to say that the majority of Draconic's users take the concept of 'being a dragon' very seriously. Some believe they were dragons in a past life, while others describe themselves as being dragons spiritually, or astrally. While those on the network are unlikely to claim that they physically wear dragon bodies, there are several who believe that they have done so in previous lives, and will again, someday. There is no uniform belief system. However, there is a common bond on the network, and we believe that seeing so many people come forward with such beliefs is neither coincidence nor delusion.
For more information, see Baxil's Draconity FAQ.

6. What is roleplaying, and why do most people not do it here?
Role-playing means pretending to be the personality of another being, usually a fictional one. It is often used as a form of entertainment, as with those who play the popular game, "Dungeons and Dragons". Generally, the members of Draconic are not "role-playing" dragons, because they truly believe that they are what they claim. They take their draconity seriously, and thus are not pretending to be anything other than their true selves. It is important to note that Draconic is in no way associated with "Dungeons and Dragons" or any other roleplaying game. Roleplaying does sometimes occur on certain network channels as an entertaining diversion, but that has nothing to do with the main focus of the network.

7. What is 'yiff'?
Yiff is a word used to describe sexiness, or sexual interaction with another. Some also use it as a synonym for 'good', or for anything pleasurable, whether or not that thing is sexual in nature. It can be used as a noun, adjective, verb, adverb, or even as a simple exclamation. The word has been borrowed from the 'furry' community, where it has long been in use.

8. I think I'm a dragon, who can I talk to about it?
We often get people just like you in the network, and it is quite common to have many questions at first. Remember, being in doubt about who you are is not a sign of weakness, so if this happens to be your dilemma, there is no need to hide it! We pride ourselves on keeping an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance, no matter what you do or don't believe.
On IRC, talk to any of the available Operators, or email our counseling staff at counselors@draconic.com.

9. I'm not a dragon, am I welcome here?
Our network is a home for dragons, but people from all walks of life are welcome to visit as long as they respect our beliefs. We trust that your interaction with our user base will be mutually beneficial. If you are simply curious and wish to engage in polite discussion with us, we welcome it, however, please know that any report of harassment will be taken seriously. Feel free to contact any of the network operators if you are not comfortable for any reason; you will find that we're quite friendly.

10. Who should I go to with questions and concerns?
Please contact any available network operator. The list is available at http://www.draconic.net/admin.html

11. Who are Nickserv, Chanserv, and MemoServ?
Nickserv, Chanserv, and Memoserv are bots: automated programs which perform various functions on the network. Generally, any entity with 'Serv' in its name is a bot. If you're not sure what a bot is for, type '/msg Botname help' and it will give you instructions for its use.

12. Why is Nickserv telling me I have to change my name?
Most users register their names, or 'nicks' on the network, to claim them as their own. Nickserv takes care of this process by registering your name and associating it with an Internet address. If you're a new user, then probably the name you are trying to use is already taken. If it is a name that you registered with NickServ, it's likely that NickServ is not able to identify you because you are logged in from a different location. Please use the '/msg nickserv identify' command to fix this.
If this happens frequently, you might want to modify your access list with nickserv.

13. If I register a nick on DraconicNet, is that my username/password for www.draconic.com?
DraconicNet and the Draconic website use two seperate databases, so it is necessary to create an account and specify a password in both places.

14. May I create my own channel on the network?
Yes, you may create any channel at your own discretion, but if it don't fit within the following guidelines, the network staff reserves the right to disband it:
a) The channel should be a resource for the network as a whole, or failing that, a subset of our regular users should be included.
b) The channel should not be relocated to this network merely on the basis of our connectivity and low latency, some basis of social interaction with the network as a whole should be present.
c) Users are, again, reminded that this network is designed for dragons and their friends, and shouldn't be used as you would a standard "do-as-you-please" network such as EFNet or DALnet.

15. How do I become a network operator?
If you wish to become a network operator, you must be invited to the monthly administration meeting, and be prepared to argue why you feel that you would be a valued addition to the network's staff. A simple majority vote from the operators will win you a one-year term as an operator of the network, however, it is possible for the network president to veto the election if the vote has not won by at least a 2/3 majority.

16. How do I add my server to DraconicNet?
Currently, there is no need for additional servers on the network, and applications for new servers are not being accepted.

17. Are you sure you're not roleplaying?
While some members of our community role-play from time to time, our experience of being dragons, or other non-human creatures, is a personal conviction and not a game. While we realize that many people may not understand or agree with this, we hope at least that others will respect our beliefs.