I came across this find today on the DECUS tapes [1]. The files are
dated '79 so this is way before IRC yet it looks very much like IRC,
right down to the "/" style commands. The best part is that it still builds/runs. The package comes with some support programs that are
useful in their own right (linked-lists, output library).

.r forum

FORUM -- A program for inter-terminal communication

Please enter your name (up to 20 characters): jayjwa
********** Welcome to the FORUM ********** 17-Apr-99 13:00:58 <OPERATOR has entered the FORUM>
<OPERATOR>: I can't believe this is working in 2026.
Evidently it is, and it comes with some nice packages as well.
I shall install it in the base system.
<OPERATOR>: This really reminds me of IRC...
/list

<List of commands: H, HELP, EX, EXIT, WHO, REPLAY, REMOVE, MYNAME,
TELL, SEND, SYSTAT, MYFILE, ACCESS, NOACCE, PROFIL, LOG, NOLOG,
LC, LOWERC, UC, UPPERC, TIME, ENTMAX, AUTHOR, WHAT, HOW,
WHY, HELLO, HI, LIST, EXPOSE, USER, WHEN, WHERE, LOCATE,
TTY, PPN, JOB, ENTRY, BEEP, GROUP, NOGROU, FORCE, NOFORC,
IGNORE>
/hi
<Hi, there>
/tty operator
<OPERATOR is located at TTY105>
/tty
<You are located at TTY4>
/time
<The current time is 13:08:46>
<OPERATOR>: Time to move the files into the correct places.
<OPERATOR>: Good bye.
<OPERATOR has left the FORUM>
/exit
Bye-bye

.r who

*/tty
Job User name PPN Line Connect Prog Low + Hgh OH State
5 JAYJWA 30,1 TTY4 NERGIG_4 WHO 14+0 3 R1*
*^Z

.r monitr

Monitor name: KL+NETMON-704
Monitor build date: 18-Jan-99
Monitor version: 70400
Monitor load date/time: 16-Apr-99:21:57:03
Monitor uptime: 15:44:39
File from which monitor was loaded: DSKB:NETMON.EXE[1,4]


[1]
https://pdp-10.trailing-edge.com/decuslib10-08/01/43,50501/abstrt.doc.html
--
PGP Key ID: 781C A3E2 C6ED 70A6 B356 7AF5 B510 542E D460 5CAE
"The Internet should always be the Wild West!"

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.14
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)