I understand that an awful lot of discussion done on here between members and various groups is done via IRC. I have not used IRC before, but apparently I have to buy it. Now, I came here looking for a free game, and don't really want to have to advance cash. While I appreciate all the hard work done by the Combine, isn't this a little unfair?
Myself, i use a browser called Mozilla Seamonkey which has other stuff built in such as mail clients and IRC clients. It is very good and totally free.
Other IRC clients can also be found for free on the internet so perhaps the rules page only say you may have to buy one in case somebody comes from a country where they cannot access any of the free ones.