Build and host our own Chat Server, get off Discord/Slack

[mi3law]

ao_chat! Let's make it happen!

Discord is ridiculous for too many reasons to list. Slack is expensive because they're not as ridiculous.

Someone please save us!

We will provide cloud infra (how's AWS?) and cover all other costs.

Possible candidates:

• https://once.com/campfire
• https://mattermost.com/
• ? any suggestions? Pure IRC and see what happens? A massive whatsapp group (please shoot me)?

Requirements:

• owning our own history
• doesn't make us broke
• keeps our chat less noisy than the wild and places like discord
• makes it so that more serious people join, not just discord randos

[spolisar]

The other options I'm aware of are rocket.chat and matrix

I'm pretty sure they both can be self-hosted.

Matrix looks like a good option in terms of control and cost, but I doubt it'll be as smooth as Slack or Discord.

Campfire also looks good in those regards, but with more up-front cost since there's a one-time purchase.

Part of this decision should be figuring out how big the server will get, though.