No idea how hard it is to setup an mIRC channel; such things intimidate me because my tech knowledge is 20 years out of date, so I never tried: I went Skypes very simple and easy route instead. I think Ventrilo is too complicated, hence I have little sympathy for those who say Skype is too hard; they CAN'T be more inept than me, so, rightly or wrongly, I hear "it's too complicated" as "I'm too lazy". If it's not worth any effort from the people who want it, why should others provide that effort? "I really REALLY desperately care about and need this--but not enough to do anything". Meh. You may not like the format (and are welcome and encouraged to provide a superior option if so) but don't tell me it's too hard, because I can't believe that.