I have been passively searching for a clan that I think is right for me for about a year now. I've noticed that alot of clans have an IRC number, or are advocating using Microsoft messenger for talking. Is this the norm, and if so why use this method over the built in Runescape clan chat.

The normal clan usually uses a IRC chat, Teamspeak/Ventrilo, and a in-game clan chat. The reason for IRC over in game clan chat is that you don't have to worry about the in game censor (including links), editing text is easier, and you also don't have to be playing Runescape while chatting.

What he said^. Also, programs such as Vent or TS allow for faster ingame communication.

It's pretty much entirely to do with the Censor.

 

 

 

I know in our chat we send a lot of links back and forth, to our boards, to other forums, to anything really. You can't just copy & paste links into the Runescape chat, you have to evade the censor to do so.

 

 

 

Plus, most normal people aren't too offended by swearing, so there's no filter in our chat, where as Runescape's chat will constrict what you are allowed to say.

 

 

 

So yes, the use of secondary communication tools outside of Runescape is very common amongst nearly every clan (that isn't run off the RS Official Board)

 

 

 

MSN is really just more of a way of communicating and keeping up with your clan if you aren't on the game, or can't get into the IRC or whatever. People also "spam" msn to communicate events to clan members quickly (very annoying I might add)

If you use MSN, make sure, during wars, to appear offline or sign out because other clans will spam you to fill your screen with chat conversations.

To avoid any conflict that may arise with Jagex over content.