Virtual Hosts, or ‘vHosts’, enable users to replace their visible hostmask (for example, Newnet-SH3FH3DF.shaw.ca) with a customized alias (like i.am.awesome), offering a creative way to conceal their identity.
vHost Format Requirements:
- Must include at least one period (.) and can consist of alphanumeric characters, periods (.), and hyphens (-).
- Cannot include the ‘@’ symbol.
- Cannot resemble an IP address or a format similar to IP addresses.
- Cannot be a domain that resolves to an actual website. Unless ownership is proven. See below.
- Cannot imitate government or affiliated private organizations (e.g., *.gov, *.gc.ca, FBI, MPAA, RIAA).
- Cannot include the terms ‘forum’, ‘ircop’, ‘admin’, ‘network’, ‘newnet’, or any IRC operator nicknames.
- Cannot contain racist or derogatory words, with the vHost team having final discretion on what is considered offensive.
- Cannot suggest affiliation with other networks or promote spamming.
- Cannot allude to illegal or unethical activities.
- Cannot exceed 63 characters in length.
Timing for vHost Requests:
- A new vHost can be requested for the same nickname after 7 days.
- For nicknames grouped under the same account, a new vHost can be requested after 1 day.
vHost Usage Guidelines:
- Using vHosts to evade bans is prohibited and may result in a network and vHost ban.
How to Request a vHost:
- Ensure your nickname is registered.
- Send a request via
/msg HostServ REQUEST vhost.goes.here. - The request will initially be screened by a bot and then reviewed manually. Please do not send reminders; notification of your request is automatic.
- Once approved, activate your vHost with
/msg HostServ ON.
Domain Verification for vHost Use:
Modify your domain’s DNS settings by adding a TXT record for domain verification. The TXT record should follow one of these formats:
- To open vHost usage for anyone:
newnet_vhost=*. - To limit vHost usage to a specific nickname:
newnet_vhost=nick. - To allow a select group of nicknames to use the domain as their vHost:
newnet_vhost=nick,nick2,nick3.