Last change: 1:32PM 5/4/95
The organizers of the Alcathon from the Australian National Convention are starting two new weekly AA meetings on the IRC Undernet, on channel #ozcon. Beginning on May 7, 1995, there will be a Step meeting each Sunday at 0200 Universal Clock Time, and an open discussion meeting twelve hours later, at 1400 UCT.
The meeting times were chosen to accommodate as many AA's from around the world as possible. A table is included below which will help you find your local time.
It's our intention to keep the channel open as much as possible during the period on Sunday between the two meetings so that anyone who wants to can drop by, have a cup of virtual coffee, and chat for a while...sort of like an online AA clubhouse.
To switch to the Undernet from regular IRC, type the command "/server" followed by one of the following aliases, depending on your location:
- us.undernet.org - USA
- eu.undernet.org - Europe
- au.undernet.org - Australia
- ca.undernet.org - Canada
The command "/links" will now list all Undernet servers by name. Choose the one which is closest to you, and simply type "/server servername", followed by "/join #ozcon".
You can get more information about IRC and the Undernet from the Undernet FAQ (via anonymous ftp). Part 1 contains general info on IRC. Part 2 explains the Undernet.
Here are the time differentials for various time zones. They are already adjusted for Daylight Savings Time where necessary. Add or subtract the differential for your time zone to the Universal Clock Times (UCT) given above in order to find your local time.
| Time Zone | Time Differential | Selected Reference Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Western Europe Daylight Time | +1 hr. | London |
| Eastern Europe Daylight Time | +3 hr. | Athens |
| Eastern Australia Standard Time | +10 hr. | Sydney |
| Japan Standard Time | +9 hr. | Tokyo |
| US/Canada Eastern Daylight Time | -4 hr. | Ottowa, New York |
| US/Canada Central Daylight Time | -5 hr. | Chicago |
| US/Canada Mountain Daylight Time | -6 hr. | Denver |
| US/Canada Pacific Daylight Time | -7 hr. | Vancouver, Los Angeles |
For example, I live near Washington DC in the US/Canada Eastern Daylight Time Zone. Subtracting 4 hours from the first meeting time of 0200 Sunday, I get 2200 or 10 PM Saturday night. The second meeting begins twelve hours later, at 10 AM Sunday morning.
Just as in face-to-face AA meetings, there is a procedure in IRC meetings designed to keep the discussion more or less orderly. When you connect to channel #ozcon, you'll see a message announcing the current topic. If the meeting has already begun, DON'T say hi or otherwise announce your presence. A channel operator will be watching the comings and goings, and will send you a private message of greeting which will contain the following information: if you want to share, raise your hand by typing "!". The chairperson will recognize you in turn by sending "GA (or go ahead) yourname". While you're sharing, type three dots "..." every line or two and hit the return or enter key to send. The dots indicate that you're not finished yet. When you're done sharing, type "end". If you have to leave the channel before the end of the meeting, DON'T say goodbye.
Hope to "see" you on channel #ozcon this weekend.