You are using correct syntax except for $chan has $chan is not a valid command in a timer, you can use /timer 0 30 /msg $active msghere

but here's a small test

put this following script in your remotes Yes I know it doesnt have brackets ({}) or slashes (/)

alias test1 timer 0 30 msg $active success!

then once its in type /test1

Code:
if $reality > $fiction { set %sanity Sane }
Else { echo -a *voices* }