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How to apply for a shell with a shells provider on ShellsNet

Know that not all shells on ShellsNet are 'free'. In fact, the best ones are often not 'free'. For most quality shells, you have to do or give something to the provider before you will be allowed an account. This is because requiring something keeps the shell service reserved for users who genuinely deserve a shell, and keeps out the lame/abusiver users that just want us to give them something good for nothing in return.

Most shells providers on ShellsNet require something from the user before they are given a shell. Some require money, some require time spent in the provider's channel, some require a postcard or other token. They don't require a lot - but you have to do what they ask to get a shell from them.

Please note that you should not ignore a shells provider just because they won't give you an account for nothing. In the real world, you have to earn what you get - so why should shells on the internet be any different?

Often, the best providers are those that require the most from their users, becuase this makes sure that their users are well informed, helpful to each other and generally have a positive attitude. Because the users behave well, the shell admin can allow each of them more priviliges on the server.

Recently, some people have said that our shells are not free. This is partly true. Remember, however - nothing good comes easy. You have to be prepared to earn a shell, rather then get it for nothing.

How to apply

Step 1 : Making a list

Different shells providers have different things you must do to gain an account with them. In general, the commercial providers will only give you an account if you pay money, and the noncommercial providers will only give you an account if you follow their applications process.

In general, the first thing you should do when seeking a shell is to make a list of what you want. Do you, for example, need background processes (each eggdrop or bnc counts as 1 background process)? Do you need IRC access? Email? Webspace? What about PHP and Perl on your website? You can find a centralized list of these at the Affiliate Providers Table Of Features

Make a list of everything you will need/want on your shell. Once you have done this, then you can start finding shells that offer what you want.

Step 2 : Finding providers that offer what you want

Once you know what you want, connect to ShellsNet and use a /list to find shells provider channels. BEFORE JOINING THESE CHANNELS AND ASKING FOR A SHELL, READ THEIR WEBSITES. (many of them kickban you if you ask without reading first) The URL to their websites will usually be in their channel topic.

Once you have read their websites, you will know which providers off a shell with the features you want. Now that you know this, you can read their websites again and find the application instructions for those providers. Following the instructions listed on the providers' websites should give you a good chance of getting a shell.

If you can't meet the requirements of a noncommercial host, sometimes you can still get a shell by donating money to them. Usually, getting a shell this way costs about $10-$20, and the shell lasts forever. This is quite a good deal - a $10-20 donation can give you a shell for as long as you want it... if you use it for a year, that works out to less then $1 a month... which is very, very cheap.

Most providers do not require money to get an account, but if you find yourself stuck and unable to get a shell, offering a small donation will usually persuade the admin into letting you have an account.

Mistakes to avoid

    * Do NOT send private messages (/msg) to people you do not know without asking them if it's ok first.
    * Do NOT join every channel on [[Shellsnet_Backup_Old_ShellsNet|ShellsNet]] and ask for a shell in all of them. This will annoy everybody.
    * Do NOT use 'txtspeak' while in channel. This means, use full, correct English. Do NOT use words like 'thx', 'plz', etc.
    * Do NOT demand a shell. Do not think that anyone here 'owes' you a shell. We owe you nothing.
    * Do NOT just leave after you get your shell. Most providers require you to hang around and talk in their channel.

Things that help you get a shell

    * READ! This is the most important thing.
    * Be PATIENT. Sometimes it can take a while to get a shell (up to a month is normal). Be prepared to wait.
    * Be ACTIVE. Talk with people. Get to know other users in channel. Being active makes it more likely the admins will offer you shells.
    * Be MATURE. Think about things before you say them and don't be afraid to admit you don't know something.