Using Channel & Bot Services

Chanserv lets you own (& operate) a channel, giving your /ACCESS permissions to other channel operators you have granted them access to have, keeping people who match something on the AKICK list out of the picture; modes that you can lock into place so not even another operator can change, or just remember the modes and re-set them if the channel goes empty (and disappears) when someone joins it again

Also, when chanserv is looking after your registered channel, it will remember the list modes too. Setting bans [+b] / exceptions [+e] / guest list [+I]

Channel List Modes: If someone matches an entry on the +e list, they will not be affected by a matching ban - but it doesn't override +i [invite only]. If a user matches an entry on the guest / invite list +I then they will be allowed into the channel if it's invite only - but this doesn't override a ban they match also

Managing Access with chanserv

This could be a crude and oversimplified way of dealing with channel access permissions. If you want something more sophisticated and you don't mind learning some extra features chanserv has to offer, Read this user guide section about the /ACCESS command

chanserv maintains an access list (or multiple lists) for each registered channel, which determines who gets operator or voice status and who has what permissions. Rather than handing out ops manually every time someone joins, you can configure chanserv to do it automatically. The traditional way is via the XOP lists (so named for the commands ending in “OP”): VOP, HOP, AOP, SOP, etc

For example, to auto-op a trusted user on join, add them to the AutoOp list (AOP):
/chanserv AOP #YourChannel ADD SomeNick

Now “SomeNick” will receive ops (@) automatically whenever they join your channel. In addition, being on the AOP list typically grants a few extra abilities: they can invite themselves into +i channels, unban themselves if needed, and if the GREET feature is enabled, they can have a personal greeting message displayed on entry. Similarly, you can use:

You can list the current entries with, for example, /chanserv AOP #YourChannel LIST (or VOP, SOP, etc.), and remove entries with DEL. These lists are your primary way to control who has power in the channel even when you’re not around to /op them yourself. Keep them updated – if someone leaves your community, you should remove them so they don’t retain privileges

For fine-grained control, our services support an ACCESS level system or flags system, where you can assign specific flags (permissions) to each user. For instance, one user might only have +v (voice) permission, another might have +o (op) and +b (ban) but not +t (change topic). This can be done with commands like /ACCESS or /chanserv FLAGS

For most cases, though, the simpler VOP/AOP lists suffice to cover typical roles

Some permissions (like ASSIGN, OWNER) are reserved for the channel founder only and cannot be delegated by access level alone. Others like INFO, SIGNKICK, and PROTECT require extremely high levels (9999+) and are only appropriate for trusted admins

Channel Settings via chanserv

Beyond user access, chanserv allows the founder to configure a host of channel options. Use /chanserv SET to tweak these. Here are some of the most useful settings for channel owners:

chanserv offers even more options /chanserv HELP SET but the ones above are most relevant to maintaining control and security

Using botserv for Automation

botserv allows you to introduce a service bot into your channel – essentially a network-provided bot that can perform moderation tasks and entertainment functions under your direction

To get started, view the list of bots with:
/botserv BOTLIST
Then assign one to your channel:
/botserv ASSIGN #YourChannel BotName

Once assigned, the bot will join your channel and operate based on how you configure it. Key features include:

Thresholds can be configured with additional parameters. See /botserv HELP KICK

botserv bots are hosted by the network. You don’t need to run anything yourself – the bot is always online and works in tandem with chanserv to enforce rules and maintain order

Pro Tips