Suggestions for improving "https://libera.chat/guides/connect" for new users

[VBruceHunt]

I am completely new to IRC and found the documentation for getting connected to libera.chat confusing. I used the URL in the above title to attempt connect to Libera.Chat using "web.libera.chat/gamja". I chose it because it was stated to be "lightweight" and this hinted that it would be the simplest IRC client to use. I then moved on to "Helping you connect" which immediately led to "Connecting to Libra.Chat". I have the following suggestions on this page.

1. There needs to be paragraph explaining an overview of the connection process. Jumping right into "Connect to Libera.Chat with TLS" is akin to describing how to wind a watch instead of explaining that it is used to tell time. "Accessing Libera.Chat Via TLS" should be an aside of the general connection process.
2. Consider focusing on getting new users on board as simply as possible while pointing out avenues for additional capabilities and their associated requirements instead of jumping into a barrage of overwhelming details without a mental model upon which to hang the detail. It seems like you have to have a mental model to understand the barrage of detail about using WebChat, SASL and/or CertFP so that you can form a mental model. This complexity leads to confusion and I suspect leads many to give up on using Libera.Chat.
3. It seems to me that the description of accounts, passwords, nicknames and channels ought to be the primary information described along with why they are used. Thus a simple but useful model of how IRC works can be learned and used by the newcomer. Your objective should be to create a pattern or model of registration and use. Give simple clear actionable definitions with indications that more power and complexity are enhancements to these definitions.
4. Examples are better than abstract descriptions. Use Gamja or Kiwiirc as the example and generalize the named action in the descriptive text.
5. Avoid using specialized IRC terms without a clear definition. For example the term "cloak" appears in regard to the term "user/nickname" with no foundational definition for either to the newcomer. The term "Joining or talking in certain channels" is first used with no definitions for "Joining", "talking" or "channels". The assumption that all or even most readers understand the technical actionable meaning of these words is exclusionary to new users such as myself. It is ok to repeat the definitions, while occasionally tedious, reinforces the concepts.
6. "Linking or Embedding" is a side issue of getting connected and really does not belong here. It appears to be aimed at a specialized subset of the general IRC population. It seems more appropriate to come in a later part of the guide about expanding the use of IRC.
7. In "Finding Channels" it would be good to first describe what channels are and how they are used. The assumption that your new readers know what a channel is is problematic. There are several common and many specialized area meanings of channels and IRC adds yet another meaning. It appears that a channel is a discussion group focused on a semantic area.
8. "User Modes" Again the assumption that your readers know what "User Modes" are with no definition is problematic. One has to read the entire "usermodes" page to construct a "user mode" definition. What is the "FOSS" community?

These suggestions may help to improve the clarity of the guides and therefore help newcomers to more quickly be able to contribute to community discussions.

[Doerthous]

I want to know how can I register a nickname while I can't connect to libera.chat because SASL auth failed.

[ckwillling]

I want to know how can I register a nickname while I can't connect to libera.chat because SASL auth failed.

+1
when enter /connect libera, it replys that i need to register nickserv, where you had to /connect first. it's a dead loop, how would that happen.

[FistedByDionysus]

+1

Not being able to register from https://libera.chat/guides/sasl#sasl-access-only-ip-ranges is very lame.

[jesopo]

a possible alternative is a web registration form

[Wenbo94]

+1

[TheOddler]

Yea I'm in the same boat now. Can't login because I haven't registered, and can't register because I'm not logged in.