i think I want to get people in first robotics to start using IRC. It is a chat channel where you can use java aps to talk to it and normal aps. It is conviniant when your in a pinch and need help fast. You pop in the channel and ask a question, anyone who is not AFK will hopefuly try to help. IRC also helps bring the community togeather and no spam bots on aim. Also, no one needs to sign up a nick name or anything, it is open to all. Of couse that can be changed in channel setting if needed ;-)
I hope to get a lot of people to start using it, it is a good idea to idle in the channel, it encourages people to stay. Also when you come back from afk take a look scrool up and see if you have anything to add the will be helpful.
Also, it is a lot of fun to write bots for IRC. I my self had made an automated online radio that uses IRC to take requests and provide server and song data in the channel
Weather bots are comman too. So it would be fun to try and script your own bots and get some practice on your coding. Just throwing this out there, tell me if yout think this is a good idea
More info on IRC in my sig