The policies and ideals of the discussion channel are the same as the website; quality content and conversing, respect for other users, and no spamming.
Slightly off-topic discussion is generally acceptable, but we're still not open to discussion of electoral politics and policies.
The channel isn't busy enough that there's always someone talking, so don't be surprised if you try to start a conversation and no one responds.
Leave it open and you'll see activity, though we're most active during US work hours.
For a feed of stories without discussion, <tt>mockturtle</tt> also posts new stories in <a href="ircs://irc.libera.chat/lobsters-feed"><tt>#lobsters-feed</tt></a>.
Lobsters used to have an channel called <tt>#lobsters-boil</tt> for off-topic conversations (especially American politics) that "boiled over" from the main channel.
It was useful in the wake of some big events, but the mods <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abilene_paradox">didn't want to run it indefinitely</a>.