There's been quite a bit of...unsettlement (totally a word) regarding the news that Discord has a new CEO and the company is going public (typically a sign of things going shittier than before).
I'd just like to re-post this which I shared some time ago, if you'll indulge me in my rare post which isn't a Steam Deck / Gaming News # post - a rarity for me.
In the end, this is not the be-all-and-end-all alternative, it won't be for everyone. Matrix exists of course. But this is a nice place. And I thought considering recent events I'd recommend it regardless!
Following is just a copy of what I posted last time. It's mostly Linux chat, gaming, handhelds (like the Steam Deck), movies and...general chats. Anyway, here's the post:
So...this one is a bit left-of-field.
A friend of mine (Gardiner Bryant of YouTube - who reports on Linux and the Steam Deck) has started a Revolt server.
What is Revolt?
It's kinda like a FOSS alternative to Discord. You'll see the layout is almost a direct copy, and it's far less polished...but then again you haven't got the downsides of Discord's constant upselling either:
Why is this relevant?
...I can hear you ask? Well, so far its just a few developers and creators in there, but I thought of all spaces...maybe those very devs and creators whose work you use and watch...well it might be nice to join in there?
My personal friends who are in here so far are:
-
imLinguin whose GitHub is here - but you may know most as a developer of Heroic Games Launcher
-
Lazorne whose project is RetroDECK - my personal fav emulation option for the Steam Deck
-
Eben Bruyns whose GitHub is here - but you may know best as the dev of Junk-Store
-
Kyle Gospo whose project is Bazzite
-
Gardiner himself, of course whose YouTube link is here,
What is the damn link to the damn server, woman?
I mean, you will have to make an account on Revolt, but it might be interesting to some here. You're all very welcome!
Discord is too big at this point for people to leave it. I've never heard of revolt until now, I don't see a need in switching because of a new CEO that hasn't done anything yet.
Never seen a 'too big to fail' platform fail, huh? It happens more frequently than you'd think
Woolworths and Sears certainly will never not be the most dominant retail spaces in the United States. They're gokng to live forever!
(I feel like most people here are too young ho even fully grasp the sarcasm on full display in my comment)
Pfft. It's not like you can buy a house from Sears or something.
Edit: Guessing I got downvoted by somebody too young to understand the reference
Luckily I see I'll be a fancygirl with my Sears options as I look!
Right??? Could you imagine buying a house from SEARS??? And at a reasonable price too!!!
Nor me either, but I'm going to start packing my parachute now. You probably said the same about Reddit a few times before you ended up here, too.
That account was created Jan 29th 2025, so you're likely correct
Nothing is too big to end. I've seen so many VOIP clients over the years and Discord is just another.
Software isn't forever. Services come and go. Empires fall.
Regardless, the drive to switch is in selfhosting. If you want actual security and not to have to worry about a corporation handing their logs over to the Feds, Revolt is very appealing.
Perhaps, but we're now in an age where IPO announcements, CEO changes and even new features inevitably lead to enshittification. There is no harm in having a backup plan.
I'd even say that anyone who doesn't have a plan B is an idiot, given recent history.
Discord's fine now but it sure won't be in 5 years. Companies going public like this always end badly
How do you know that for sure?
You must be young.
Only 40
That's surprising.
I find it surprising you can't answer basic questions but just try to make fun of someone or change the subject.
Um OK.
Take a look at Snapchat, Microsoft Solitaire, or most dating apps. That's what this usually looks like after 5-10 years.
So free? With a paid sub option? Hmm... Maybe they can call it nitro or something. Maybe limit fil size sharing I less you pay the sub too. Oh and lock streaming quality too!
That just proves they're already willing to make it worse. Dating apps have $500/mo plans now. Snapchat is 95% ads, 5% chat
Ever heard of Skype?
What about it? Different application but sure. Let's hear your example anyway
Got bought up by Microsoft and enshittified.
It isn't a long story, you likely could've researched it yourself in five minutes.
Good example......... I guess
That’s like saying one vote doesn’t matter or people protesting not to vote for their party because of a single issue but cause to effect more than the issue. Don’t entertain bad behavior or no one ever learns.