Who should read this tutorial?
This tutorial is aimed at people with very little or no experience with Internet servers, networking, or social software. If you successfully complete this tutorial, you'll have your very own crappy IRC network which no one besides you will ever care about or want to visit.
Why would I want my own IRC network?
Good question! Chances are very good that you won't actually want one once you understand the actual amount of money and work involved and the extremely meager rewards.
What?! You mean there's more to it than just sitting around stroking my ego and g-lining people?
Surprisingly, yes. This is the reason why there isn't an IRC network for every human being on Earth.
But I can still stroke my ego and g-line anyone I want, right?
Only if you want your network to suck. But it's going to suck anyway so you might as well do whatever you want.
Okay, I understand that this is going to be a complete waste of time and money and I'm going to wish I never even thought of making my own IRC network. What next?
First you need to find a host. Go to google.com and type "irc hosting" in the box. You will be presented with a list of IRC hosts. You want to find one that will set everything up for you, since you have absolutely no clue what you are doing.
It's all set up but no one besides me is online. WTF?
I told you it was going to suck.
But how do I get more users?
The most popular method is spamming on more popular IRC networks. Not only will this cause most everyone to dislike you, some people will probably start flooding or ddosing your new server, plus it will probably get you banned from the network you spammed on.
That really sucks.
Now you're getting the idea.
What's the final and most important step?
Send your host an e-mail saying you want to cancel your account.
