here's the idea: make it so IRC servers have trimmed logs of channels, so that when you join a channel, the server either automatically or on command sends your channel window a decent amount of chat that was posted BEFORE you joined, so you are filled-in on the most recent discussion, & can then instantly participate, while being on-topic.
i am in undernet #philosophy quite a bit, & people often ask for the topic upon joining; this would help. also, if you could make it so there is a command to get 'backlogged' (i.e. get what was posted before you joined upon joining) MORE, so that the curious who have just joined can do some more reading, that would be excellent.
the downsides to this idea are that 1) servers would have to keep logs, even if just trimmed ones, for all channels (maybe even just for a certain duration, i.e. expiring logs), & 2) you'd have to code it. i cannot think of any more drawbacks to this idea.
it seems like a good idea to me, what do you think?
lakitu
