If you're actually looking for HN people, why don't we just participate on #hackernews on freenode.
Great idea: for X reason! Or, you are so wrong: for X reason. But why don't you pitch this some more on #hackernews on freenode?
My god, it's full of avatars!
#startups on freenode is supposedly made up of HN crowd, but I've never found it a friendly place.
that said, i think #clojure and #reactjs are fairly friendly and helpful to questions, even the most basic ones.
ps. As another use already said, there's no point for us being on an IRC #. I prefer talking/helping/discussing with people who are closer to my domains.
Set one up on a network that has a high # of hackers, tinkerers etc.
IMHO, this network could be chat.freenode.net
When you're done, let people know in this thread and i'm sure they'll come...
P.S.: There's a channel named #startups already on freenode which seems to have a few people from HN already...
There is nothing wrong with talking to co-workers, but it can become an insular experience. You're also limited by the specific quirks of the workplace and the demands of maintaining a level of professionalism.