FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions

How do I view the forum?

You must first register by clicking the forum link on the top menu or the menu on the left. An administrator will then review and approve your account. You must use a valid e-mail as an activation link will be sent to you.

How do I join the channel?

The channel is named #asbs and is located on the Darkmyst irc network. To connect to the server, in this case irc.darkmyst.org, you usually just type "/connect irc.darkmyst.org" without the quotes depending on your IRC client. Once you have connected to the network, type "/join #asbs" (minus the quotes). This should get you in the channel. If you have any issues, please read the manual for your irc program. See you there!

What is the difference between #alt.suicide.bus.stop and #asbs?

#alt.suicide.bus.stop was a channel that was about "Pro choice suicide chat". #asbs is a channel targeted at affective disorders in general (and of course the suicidal ideation that comes along with it). The official stance of the channel is to maintain neutrality as it is neither pro-choice or anti-pro-choice. A lot of people from the former #alt.suicide.bus.stop channel come to #asbs, so chances are if you're looking to get in touch with an older member you will find them here. As with the former channel, please do not try and "save" any user who is expressing suicidal feelings or ideas. It is our goal to allow anyone to speak freely in the channel without fear of being berated or attacked in any way.

If this channel is not alt.suicide.bus.stop, then why name it ASBS? What does ASBS stand for? This is confusing

ASBS is in itself just an acronym. Except for the obvious connection to the past #alt.suicide.bus.stop channel in name, we are not endorsed, officially connected, or in any way or shape affiliated with the former channel or its founder. #asbs is a community organized logical successor to #alt.suicide.bus.stop, nothing more.

This channel is not officially pro-choice suicide-chat related? Then it's useless! Why should I come to this channel?

We think #asbs is a great alternative to fill the void of the old channel. While the main topic of discussion is related to affective disorders and suicidal ideation, we also have many light-hearted conversations. A lot of us have made good friends in the channel and we hope that you'll understand that we are not doom and gloom 24/7. #asbs is a safe and secure community that prides itself in the freedom to talk about topics that might otherwise be deemed controversial in "normal" settings.

If you are looking for a place to talk about suicide methods or suicide pacts, this is NOT the channel for you. We will kickban you immediately if you talk about this stuff. It is, however, ok to express that you are suicidal, tired of life, long for death, can not cope with life and so on. We know what that is like, unfortunately :-/ , so we can offer a place where you can chat with people without judgement and shame regarding these feelings.

Why do I have to register my nick?

It serves two purposes: 1) You don't have to worry about someone else taking your nick and 2) We will be able to know you are you and verify you are not an imposter. To get information on how to register a nickname, type "/nickserv help register".

It is mandatory to register 1 nickname, which will be the one you use when you are active in the channel. We also strongly recommend you register one other nick for when you are away from the computer/idling, but this is a recommendation and not a rule. If the primary nickname is "nick", then we recommend the second nickname to be "nick-afk". You can use the same passwords for both nicknames if it makes it easier for you.

Why this ugly design of the webpage? It hurts my eyes!

Some people like the retro-feeling of how websites looked when the internet was still young. The designer of this webpage happened to be one of them :D =p