DALnet is an IRC network, like any other. It has about 45k users currently, making it one of the larger networks. As with all IRC networks, there are decent operators and admins, and complete morons. Right now, the morons seem to outnumber the decent, but it changes frequently. The primary thing that makes DALnet attractive are its services (NickServ, ChanServ, and MemoServ). You may "own" nicks and channels. While this may seem fascist and alien to those who have idled on EFnet for the past 10 years (and you know who you are. Yes, you. The one with the heinous butt rash), it works pretty well. All in all, DALnet isn't that bad. But as with all things IRC, a few people end up ruining it for everyone.