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+=====New user information about IRC=====
+This file is for users new to irc.  Its intention is to briefly describe
+what irc is all about.  It is not a command summary. Please refer to
+[[Introduction]] to get started with the various EPIC commands.
+IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat.  It is a networked, real-time, online
+chat system.  Its popularity has grown enormously since its invention
+more than 7 years ago, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
+There are currently upwards of 30 irc "networks" scattered around the
+Internet, serving every corner of the globe; do not expect everyone to
+speak your own native language.  At any given time, there are usually
+upwards of 60,000 people using the various established irc networks.
+The primary means of identification on irc is currently the nickname.
+All users have a nickname.  Your nickname can be changed with the
+/[[nick]] command.  No two users on the same irc network may
+use the same nickname at the same time.  For all intents and purposes,
+nicknames are **NOT** owned. Anyone can use any nickname they like,
+including your favorite if you aren't already using it on irc, and irc
+operators are under no obligation whatsoever to "get it back" for you.
+For this reason, it is recommended that you use the
+/[[whois]] command if you are unsure if a nickname is
+someone you know or not.
+It is important to recognize the nature of irc.  Not everyone you meet
+will be friendly and good-natured.  Just like in real life, you will
+meet jerks, and other types you may not care to associate with.  You may
+meet people who will try to deceive you.  In particular, you may run
+across someone who will ask you to issue some commands.  **USE**
+**CAUTION** in these situations.  If you don't know what the command
+does, don't do it.  If the command involves the /[[on]] or /[[exec
+command|exec]] commands, don't do it unless you are sure you know what
+you are doing.  If all else fails, ask an irc operator or a help channel
+(such as #irchelp) for help.
+One final note on commands.  The various EPIC commands can be
+abbreviated (to the shortest possible unambiguous string).  For example,
+__/na__ would run the /[[names]] command.  This is mentioned
+because, occasionally, you will run across pranksters trying to get new
+users to type __/sign__ or something similar (__/sign__ is an
+abbreviation of /[[quit|signoff]]). As previously mentioned, use
+caution whenever anyone asks you to use a command you are unfamiliar
+with or uncertain about.
+Lastly, if you have not already done so, please read [[Etiquette]]
+and [[Introduction]].  The former describes the basic accepted
+behavior on irc, while the latter is a beginning command rundown.