#Deep13
#Deep13 was formed as an IRC channel for fans of the original Mystery Science Theater 3000 TV series. Even though an IRC channel is still operated on the PsiGenix IRC network, the channel has evolved into a community active on social networking sites like Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. Though many of us have known each other for at least a decade, we are a very mellow group of individuals who are mostly known for our humor, so anyone is welcome to join us on either platform.
A Brief History
Semi-officially, according to the original founder, #Deep13 was born in December of 1997 as part of a series MST 3K-related projects that he had created online. At the time, the show was still producing new episodes on the Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy,) so a channel was set up on the network's official IRC server - known as the Dominion Events Server, or "Events" for short - and was designated as an officially recognized channel by the server's moderators. For a few years, a stable community was able to grow and prosper, until a rift with the channel's founder resulted in Deep13 breaking off into an independent operation. Since then, it has gone through numerous different servers and channel owners, as well as a fair bit of drama and convention meet-ups. Now ingrained beyond the realm of IRC, #Deep13 refers to the overall community of channel alumni rather than the MST 3K-themed chatroom that spawned it.
The Website
Deep13.org was originally born in 1999, serving only as a presence on the then-young world wide web. While there had been many grand plans for the site, it ultimately found its niche as a news site - by and for the channel's regulars - following a transfer of ownership in 2002. It continued in this capacity until disagreements between channel regulars led to the site being closed in 2007, with the domain eventually expiring in 2008. The domain itself was quickly snatched up by a Japanese interest for questionable purposes.
In 2010, a new site was born on the august4th.org family of sites, albeit as a scaled-back general information site. Further scaling back has been done so the site can serve as a tribute to the original channel and community, and as a portal for people who wish to stay in contact us.
On Easter Sunday of 2018, Deep13.org was born again, as a result of the previous ownership expiring and the domain being successfully re-acquired on the first day of availability. All content from the original august4th.org Deep13 site was moved over to the new domain, with a new, high-resolution and mobile-friendly design.
Where is #Deep13?
IRC
#Deep13 is still maintained as a channel on the PsiGenix IRC network. The server is irc.psigenix.net, and can be accessed via any desktop or mobile IRC platform. It is very lightly visited.
Discord
#Deep13 also has a presence on the gaming-focused group-chat Discord. As with the IRC channel, it is also lightly visited. An invite to the channel is available.
A group for channel regulars and alumni is maintained on Facebook. It is currently closed to the public, but you are able to request to be added.
Steam
A small group of #Deep13 regulars has been set up on Steam. You can request to join the group.