1. IRC is inclusive, IM is exclusive
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) works like an IM chat with your whole team. Everyone can see what you type instead of just one person. You can ask a question even if you don’t know who to ask. It brings the whole team together and reduces private conversations; the bane of distributed teams. You won’t be left out on IRC.
2. IRC is less disruptive
IM disrupts your work, IRC helps you get your work done. When someone sends you an IM you need to stop what you are doing and answer. IRC is more optional, tune in when it works for you.
3. IRC is more secure
If you care about security, use IRC. IM services send your data to third-party companies. You can host your own IRC server, for free!
4. Robots can use IRC
Last but not least, robots can use IRC. Configure a special IRC room to see build messages, bug fixes, and version control check ins. Stop getting email and wondering what went wrong when the build breaks.
Who uses IRC?
Your favorite open source project probably uses IRC. Mozilla employees I talked to for The One Minute Commute have told me “If you aren’t in IRC then you aren’t working,” Subversion depends on IRC to make their team run, and Jason Fried from 37 Signals told me Campfire (their simple IRC solution) is “the most important piece of software that we have to run our business. Without it I honestly don’t know how we would be able to get along.”
Call to action – Try IRC
Start with Campfire. It is a simplified IRC-like service from the folks at 37 Signals. Once you have tried Campfire you can stay with the free service, upgrade, or move to a full IRC solution. Post a comment and let us know how it works out.