COOLchat's Helper program is designed to educate specific users of the network in network operations. In turn, those users will be asked to participate in #help to assist users of the network in channel and nickname operations. While strong efforts to educate helpers are attempted, users should use this service at their own risk.

There is no application process for becoming a COOLchat Helper. The position is based on having been recommended by an ircop on COOLchat. Asking repeatedly for a recommendation will be viewed as a lack of maturity, and may automatically disqualify the user.

The following are basic requirements for being a COOLchat Helper.

1. The demonstrated knowledge of basic channel and nick operations
2. Demonstrated maturity in dealing with users and network staff
3. Demonstrated loyalty to the COOLchat IRC Network.

Once a user has been recommended for a position as a helper, the user and channel will be watched by those persons responsible for the helper program. At some point either the person making a recommendation will be contacted with the reason the user was not accepted, or the user will be contacted for an interview. The interview will consist of verifying the user's interest, their ability to attend classes, and their availibility to assist in the program.

This is an intentionally slow process, and the user in question should not be aware they are under consideration until the interview. Maturity means doing the right thing when no one is watching.

Once a user has been accepted into the helper program, they will be required to attend a series of classes. Unless otherwise noted, each class will be approximately one hour in length, and cover the following topics:

User Masks and Channel Modes COOLchat Policy and Procedures Nickserv / Memoserv ChanServ part 1 ChanServ part 2

The order in which the user takes the clases is not important, except the chanserv classes must be taken in order. Each class must be completed prior to the administration of the final exam. Classes should be taken in the shortest time period possible, in order to maximize their effectiveness.

Upon completion of the required classes, and with the recommendation of the persons responsible for the helper program, trainees will be invited to take a final exam. The exam will be an open book type test, intended to gauge the trainee's ability to utilize the available documentation to find answers to questions they may face. If a trainee's aptitude on a given function is less than adequate, they may be required to attend specific classes again.

Participation in the COOLchat Helper program is 100% voluntary on the part of the user. There is NO compensation other than the knowledge of the materials covered in class, and the good feeling associated with assisting others in need. COOLchat IRC Network, and Absolute Internet, Inc. are in no way responsible for any claims for damages associated with participation in the helper program, or damages resulting from the mis-advice of a person qualified under this program. Use at your own risk.