Dear ChatSpike,

As you may know - we were recently looking for a new server name.

This is because we are preparing some software and structural changes to the network - nothing too noticeable.

Tomorrow, at 4PM GMT, we will be restarting the whole network for a number of software upgrades. Estimated downtime is minimal, but let's say 15 minutes just to be safe. When we come back up, we will have a number of new features available, including the ability to mute individual problematic users within your channel, restrict colours to specific users on a channel, and other more fine grained access controls. We will be introducing the "new" bender.chatspike.net to the network at the same time.

Should you wish to preview the 'new' network, connect to irc.chatspike.net on port 16667. A copy of Services is running, but any changes you make will not exist on the live network, and will not last beyond tonight.

Questions, comments, and discussion to #chatspike as always!

Thanks! ChatSpike Staff