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:
…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?
Yeah, and it’s doubly infuriating because Discord is not a good replacement for support forums. It isn’t searchable via search engines, and even the built in search is fucking dog water.
Let’s say I have an error, so I google “{Program} {Error code} Solved”. With a forum, I would find a thread that is already talking about the specific error, with comments regarding troubleshooting steps or a solution… But with Discord, all I get is a generic link to the program’s server.
And even once I’m in the server, there often isn’t a good way for me to find existing threads about my specific error. Maybe I check the pinned messages, but some servers have dozens of channels; am I expected to check the pins on every single channel? Oftentimes that seems to be the expectation, because asking a question will often just get a “check the pinned messages, ya thud-fuck” type of response.
Or maybe I search it, but (again) am I expected to search every single channel? And since Discord doesn’t use fuzzed searches, searching for “Error code 0x00548327” won’t return any results if the thread simply uses “Error 548327” instead. With Google (or any half-decent search engine, really) you get results for both. But not with Discord.
So instead, I ask in the support channel. And that leads me to my final gripe… My response takes actual effort from another person in order to solve. Maybe I get lucky and they have a bot set up to respond to a keyword/error number in my comment… But if not, or if I didn’t use the specific keyword that the bot was searching for, then I need to rely on other people. If there are 200 people with the same issue, that’s 200 times that someone needs to respond to what is essentially the same message. With a forum, you could simply find the post, and read the responses. No human interaction necessary, because it has already been done. The question and answer process has already happened. But with Discord, I’m forced to wait on someone to actually respond, and the devs/admins actually need to dedicate time and resources to ensuring it gets answered. That constant vigilance takes a lot more time and effort away from actual mod duties.
I get it that it’s probably easier to setup a Discord server, than to run your own forum, but you can always get a managed solution or use reddit (I would prefer if Lemmy was used, but I am also realistic).
I’m actually against companies running their own subreddits, purely because I’m an old redditor who remembers when it was specifically disallowed by Reddit. The original intent was for the site to the run by the people, not by companies. Companies were actually prevented from moderating their own subs; the worry was that they would use their mod powers to suppress any sort of negative press or criticism, no matter how valid.
For instance, maybe there’s a popular TV show. The company wasn’t allowed to have a hand in moderating the official fan sub for the show, because it was left up to the public. If the show did something unpopular, the broadcasting company shouldn’t have the ability to suppress the criticism about it.
But Reddit has since done a complete 180 on that topic, and now goes out of their way to install corporate moderators. Subs are now run as an extension of the company’s marketing and/or PR departments
For the record RetroDECK also got Matrix instance as well. But Revolt have so far been more active then Matrix (even tho we had that one for a long time).
But I do agree with that Discord is not a replacement for forums. You should not use Discord as your primary information hub.
For us our own wiki is the master of information. If something relevant is said in Revolt / Discord / Matrix we will add it to the wiki, people should not need to register various accounts to access the information.
Github is also where we handle “real” issues, while Discord / Matrix / Revolt is helpful for community members helping other with minor issues or general banter.
One reason why forums died out was the need for direct engagement and a sense of active community belonging, that they simply did not offer.
We also did not create all of these spaces from the beginning. Some community members did it, like the subreddit. Then you have a choice either you create it and own it, or a fan will.
Well, once the service becomes large and popular we could try to find people interested in investing into the platform, then we just need to make sure it stays interesting to more and more investors over time. Should be sustainable, sounds oddly familiar tho but i definitely just made it up rn on my own
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.
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’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.
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.
In terms of desktop applications, looks like Element and Revolt look pretty comparable these days. Mobile app Revolt looks better to me. Matrix seems way more established considering downloads of Element (there’s numerous Matrix applications) on Google Play and FlatHub
By memory there’s a community-made app for Revolt as well, but I can’t remember what its called, or the git link! When I find it again, I’ll link it here :)
Another reminder, this is not my server, I just thought this was fun and I’m sharing an alternative. But I’ve tried reading all I can about Revolt, and I can’t see where they say it’s “for profit”. Can you link me to that?
Unfortunately, nothing else has really matched Discord’s combination of voice, video, and text chatting. Matrix doesn’t have feature parity, and doesn’t even have a functional client… Which means it’s only really viable for the people who care enough to learn how to set it up. And the average user does not care enough to learn.
its kinda useless without Voice, TeamSpeak however is making excellent progress. im hoping we just gi bsck to forums and stuff like TeamSpeak and vent.
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I really hope indie gamedevs start moving off Discord. Sometimes it’s the only source for finding help or reporting bugs.
This is super hilarious, ’cause host a devlog is so simple, it can be done in ssh, even in forsaken email. While lemmy is literally here.
I normally like GitLab issues as a place for bug reports.
A FAQ and an old style forum works pretty well for help.
In fact, just make a community on Lemmy for the forum part and you’ll have what’s required.
GitHub also has this new “Discussions” thing which should do some good, for those that want to stay on GitHub
Yeah, and it’s doubly infuriating because Discord is not a good replacement for support forums. It isn’t searchable via search engines, and even the built in search is fucking dog water.
Let’s say I have an error, so I google “{Program} {Error code} Solved”. With a forum, I would find a thread that is already talking about the specific error, with comments regarding troubleshooting steps or a solution… But with Discord, all I get is a generic link to the program’s server.
And even once I’m in the server, there often isn’t a good way for me to find existing threads about my specific error. Maybe I check the pinned messages, but some servers have dozens of channels; am I expected to check the pins on every single channel? Oftentimes that seems to be the expectation, because asking a question will often just get a “check the pinned messages, ya thud-fuck” type of response.
Or maybe I search it, but (again) am I expected to search every single channel? And since Discord doesn’t use fuzzed searches, searching for “Error code 0x00548327” won’t return any results if the thread simply uses “Error 548327” instead. With Google (or any half-decent search engine, really) you get results for both. But not with Discord.
So instead, I ask in the support channel. And that leads me to my final gripe… My response takes actual effort from another person in order to solve. Maybe I get lucky and they have a bot set up to respond to a keyword/error number in my comment… But if not, or if I didn’t use the specific keyword that the bot was searching for, then I need to rely on other people. If there are 200 people with the same issue, that’s 200 times that someone needs to respond to what is essentially the same message. With a forum, you could simply find the post, and read the responses. No human interaction necessary, because it has already been done. The question and answer process has already happened. But with Discord, I’m forced to wait on someone to actually respond, and the devs/admins actually need to dedicate time and resources to ensuring it gets answered. That constant vigilance takes a lot more time and effort away from actual mod duties.
It’s a comically bad experience.
I get it that it’s probably easier to setup a Discord server, than to run your own forum, but you can always get a managed solution or use reddit (I would prefer if Lemmy was used, but I am also realistic).
I’m actually against companies running their own subreddits, purely because I’m an old redditor who remembers when it was specifically disallowed by Reddit. The original intent was for the site to the run by the people, not by companies. Companies were actually prevented from moderating their own subs; the worry was that they would use their mod powers to suppress any sort of negative press or criticism, no matter how valid.
For instance, maybe there’s a popular TV show. The company wasn’t allowed to have a hand in moderating the official fan sub for the show, because it was left up to the public. If the show did something unpopular, the broadcasting company shouldn’t have the ability to suppress the criticism about it.
But Reddit has since done a complete 180 on that topic, and now goes out of their way to install corporate moderators. Subs are now run as an extension of the company’s marketing and/or PR departments
Agreed. Just at this point I think it’s fair to say that this policy is definitely not in effect.
Fucking preach! I feel like this falls on deaf ears most of the time though sadly.
Is there a way to puppet a discord account through revolt like there is on matrix? There are a lot of communities I am in that I need discord for.
Not currently a Revolt user, but this would be a requirement for me to consider switching, too.
It looks like its API supports webhooks, so should be relatively straightforward to enable it (or perhaps through a third party, like Zapier)?
Saying that the client is FOSS, but the server is proprietary, I like saying you have a chastity belt - with a ventilation hole in the back.
You finna get effed in the a.
For the record RetroDECK also got Matrix instance as well. But Revolt have so far been more active then Matrix (even tho we had that one for a long time).
But I do agree with that Discord is not a replacement for forums. You should not use Discord as your primary information hub.
For us our own wiki is the master of information. If something relevant is said in Revolt / Discord / Matrix we will add it to the wiki, people should not need to register various accounts to access the information.
Github is also where we handle “real” issues, while Discord / Matrix / Revolt is helpful for community members helping other with minor issues or general banter.
One reason why forums died out was the need for direct engagement and a sense of active community belonging, that they simply did not offer.
We also did not create all of these spaces from the beginning. Some community members did it, like the subreddit. Then you have a choice either you create it and own it, or a fan will.
I’m failing to find any info on how they are funding the servers in their website.
Well, once the service becomes large and popular we could try to find people interested in investing into the platform, then we just need to make sure it stays interesting to more and more investors over time. Should be sustainable, sounds oddly familiar tho but i definitely just made it up rn on my own
Revolt to Discord is what BlueSky is to Twitter.
Just another continuation that can (and will) enshittify.
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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.
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
In terms of desktop applications, looks like Element and Revolt look pretty comparable these days. Mobile app Revolt looks better to me. Matrix seems way more established considering downloads of Element (there’s numerous Matrix applications) on Google Play and FlatHub
Mobile app Revolt is nice, but doesn’t support custom servers yet last I tried.
By memory there’s a community-made app for Revolt as well, but I can’t remember what its called, or the git link! When I find it again, I’ll link it here :)
It would appear there is a character limit to the password that is not disclosed, nor prohibited, while creating your account.
Classic
I did notice the recent developments in discord. If discord starts putting ads in their platform I might switch
They already have done that a while ago.
But they’re quests
I don’t even read it, just close. Still hate it and would drop discord immediately if the communities I am in switched to anything else.
This thread is depressing: https://www.ntaskmanager.com/blog/discord-alternatives/
Mumble’s fine for VC. Lemmy&jabber anything else.
Damn, that’s… quite the line up of Steam Deck related devs, shit.
Welp, I’m convinced.
I got distracted when I started inviting people I know into the server, so…there will be more to come!
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No and they don’t plan to federate it. Not on their roadmap.
Further Matrix is guided by the Matrix Foundation, a non-profit group.
But I mean sure let’s just dump one for-profit app for another as if it won’t follow the same path.
I think you need to re-read my post.
I did not say to dump one for another
I literally mention Matrix exists
I say this won’t be for everyone
Another reminder, this is not my server, I just thought this was fun and I’m sharing an alternative. But I’ve tried reading all I can about Revolt, and I can’t see where they say it’s “for profit”. Can you link me to that?
It’s easier to use and more polished. Also, not federated or decentralized. Although you can self host it
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Unfortunately, nothing else has really matched Discord’s combination of voice, video, and text chatting. Matrix doesn’t have feature parity, and doesn’t even have a functional client… Which means it’s only really viable for the people who care enough to learn how to set it up. And the average user does not care enough to learn.
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Does Signal not do everything people need?
Voice Chat?
You can do a call in a group chat, right?
I’m unsure. I’ve only ever used Mumble, Jabber, & SimpleX.
Can’t afford rn to setup a SIP or SRTP dæmon. I even have to setup a PBX for normie related contacts.
yes, it does video or voice chat.
its kinda useless without Voice, TeamSpeak however is making excellent progress. im hoping we just gi bsck to forums and stuff like TeamSpeak and vent.
Revolt has voice channels, and video is in active development
Sure! It’s great that there is other options, too. So people have options available to them if they want to explore those.
I’m not promoting this as a end-game solution to everything. It’s not even my server.
I’m just sharing this in case people who enjoy gaming and Linux and the people behind the projects, they might want to join in.