What does the @ next to someones nick mean?
This means that that person is a channel operator in the respective channel he/she is in. What does it mean to be a channel operator? Well, channel operators are just that – they operate the channel. This means they have the ability to set channel modes, kick users out, etc. If one has any hope of remaining in a channel they must respect the rules the channel operators lay down for the channel in question. If you don’t like the operators and/or their rules, best you find another channel in which to chat.
