PDPC - The History
In 1998 a man called Robert (lilo) Levin founded a IRC Network to provide discussion facilities for the Free and Open Source Software communities, it started off modestly with about 200 users and less than 20 channels. Ten years down the line, the network peaks at just over 53,000 users and provides facilities to a variety of groups and organisations, no longer limited to those focused on Free and Open Source Software.
In 2002, the network changed its name from OpenProjects to freenode, at the same time Robert Levin and others formally incorporated Peer-Directed Projects Center as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization registered in the state of Texas. By this time, the network had seen significant growth and ideas were being floated to try and widen the scope of the organisation to incorporate other projects benefiting the communities who found freenode useful.
In september 2006, Robert (lilo) Levin, fell victim to a tragic hit and run incident, he incurred severe head-injuries and sadly passed away within days of the incident.
Since Rob's death, the PDPC and freenode has seen some changes -- the network has doubled in size, we're working on other projects benefiting the FOSS communities and in August 2008, we chose to re-incorporate the organisation in the UK.