When something is said in IRC (an emoticon or otherwise), and all active users respond likewise. IRC chains are to continue infinitely, and if there are no more active users that have not responded, silence is to persist. Breakers of IRC chains (those who say something other than what is the current chain) are usually punished with a kickban. IRC chains must be spontaneous and are never to be initiated purposely.
<Guy1> ?
<Guy2> ?
<Guy3> ?
<@Guy4> ?
<Guy5> stfu
* Guy4 sets mode +b Guy5!*@*
* Guy5 was kicked by @Guy4 (Guy4)

(Example of an IRC chain, it being broken, and the immediate punishment of the breaker.)
by Ectoplasm On Toast August 16, 2006
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