Set up a new Chat platform for users across the world

[alexis-]

• [ ] Estimate costs of hosting
• [ ] Test Rocket.Chat features
• [ ] Test Rocket.Chat availability in China

@everyone I would like your opinion on something we have been discussing with @Naess @ra지 @wzonglin

We have been debating about opening a new chat platform to unify the different communities across the world. More specifically, this is related to the recent discovery of 500+ SM user Chinese communities. As such, we would have to move away from Discord, due to its being blocked by Chinese authorities.

So far, this is the status of our discussion (lmk if I omitted something)

Pros:

• Create a larger, richer community
• Easier communication & coordination for SMA and SuperMemo.wiki developers
• Reinforce SM's identity

Cons:

• Require users to move away from the platform they are used to
• Not many options are available which enable worldwide communications
• This would probably involve a lot more work and maintenance ; and possibly incur charges for hosting
• Language barrier will limit the interactions
• Uncertainty about the longevity of this solution with regard to the Chinese firewall

One of the best option I have found is called Rocket Chat : https://rocket.chat/pricing

The software is free to use if we host it ourselves (which means it requires renting a server to host the chat server).

There is an issue with this solution though. From what I gather, the free tier only allows us to send 1000 monthly push notifications (the notifications you receive on your mobile phones when e.g. a new message has been sent, or when somebody asks to become your friend).

It might be possible to solve that issue by reaching out to them. Rocket Chat has a program for educative and open source communities: https://rocket.chat/concession

Please share your thoughts