Recs.
Updated
Primarily created in the first place for gamers to join and talk together. However it has evolved to be something Artists, Programmers, Students and Friends have started to use.
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Cross-platform
Discord has native apps for major desktop (Windows, OSX, Linux) and mobile (Android, iOS) platforms and it's also accessible from the web.
Pro Easy to set up
You can quickly send invites to people and they can join in using the web client without having install the app.
Pro Very clean interface
Can also be altered using some CSS code to be custom fit for you.
Pro Open source bots and management tools
Discord has a wide variety of bots for things from airhorn noises to automated server management, to leveling systems for chat. The bot API is open and there are dedicated sites for finding bots.
Pro Ability to create bots
Discord has a wide variety of bots for things from airhorn noises to automated server management, to leveling systems for chat. The bot API is open and there are dedicated sites for finding bots.
Pro Good 1-click invite system
Discord allows inviting people to a specific channel with a link. Links can be set to expire. Low effort/passive invite mechanics.
Pro Low effort invite mechanics
Discord allows inviting people to a specific channel with a link. Links can be set to expire. Low effort/passive invite mechanics.
Pro Does not allow NSFW related things to be posted unless in a NSFW channel
Pro Not owned by a giant corporation known for peeking in on what the people who use it's products say
Pro Friendly payment policy
Free accounts have no tangible restrictions.
Premium account is just a way to say "thank you" to developers. And it works for all servers of discord (not as in slack). And it can be purchased by one who wants. In contrast to Slask, where all active members of the server should be "premium".
Cons
Con Primarily meant for gaming
All the UI and the features are aimed specifically at communicating with your gaming team/clan.
Con Developer's previous company was sued for privacy violations, among other things
See:
http://classactionlawsuitsinthenews.com/class-action-lawsuit-complaints/openfeint-green-international-privacy-class-action-lawsuit-complaint/
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/closing-letters/openfeint-inc
Discord's privacy policy also states that while they might not sell your data, a company they get sold to will quite possibly attain said data and thus may be in "more" shady hands.
Con Requires an e-mail
Discord requires an e-mail for your account to get verified and not be limited to certain features.
Con Some useful features require a Discord Nitro subscription
Boosted upload limit, higher quality screen share, etc. all require you to pay $4.99 per month.
Con Discord's information is processed in USA
Meaning, that the NSA has access to all messages that are sent.
Con Anti-privacy license terms
The privacy policy indicates that Discord has the ability to share the information provided with its subsidiaries or affiliates and these companies, and their respective privacy policies are not documented in the privacy policy. And then it's said that aggregated and non-personally identifiable information provided can be shared with another company for business purposes. It also says, that the privacy policy can be changed at any time without any notification and warns to periodically read the privacy policy.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Familiar for Slack users
For those that are used to the way Slack (a similar chat client) works, Discord will be familiar in its use, which lowers the learning curve quite a bit for those that have switched or tried Slack before.
Pro Easy setup
You can quickly send invites to people and they can join in using the web client without having to create an account or install the app.
Con Not a generic "team chat" tool
All the UI and the features are aimed specifically at communicating with your gaming team/clan.
Pro No sms required to sign up.
Therefore people who do not own a mobile phone can still sign up on a pc.
Con Annoying UI
UI appealing to 10-yr olds or gaming geeks with taste of 10-yr olds. Could have been more mature, thus more generic, covering all ages of users.
Con Discord Nitro tag only available while subscribed
Discord Nitro's tag feature (the tag you choose) is only available to you as long as you are subscribed (pay money).
Con Jason Citron and his unethical business practices
http://gizmodo.com/5028459/aurora-feint-iphone-app-delisted-for-lousy-security-practices https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1626228?start=0&tstart=0
As a matter of first importance, Aurora Feint was a game that Jason Citron made for iOS gadgets. This is a mac-user with enthusiasm for profiting. Their application would delve into your cellphone contact list and send the greater part of your contact data to their servers without encryption - decent employment ass cap. Strike 1 has arrived. After Danielle Cassley and Jason Citron created Aurora Feint, they proceeded onward to making a versatile informal organization for individuals playing amusements. This was called OpenFeint. They advertised it up, got news/media scope (TechCrunch) and wound up making $282,000 in income amid the 2010 year. At that point they sold OpenFeint for $104,000,000 to a Japanese organization by the name of GREE. year and a half later, OpenFeint shutdown. Your ordinary financial speculator business treatment with an attention on the cash. Startup, influence it profitable, to offer it, appreciate the paycheck while leaving. Indeed, amusement designers abruptly saw OpenFeint closing down and had approximately a month to refresh their recreations to have OpenFeint totally expel.
Con "Stolen" interface
Discord's interface is very similar to Slack's.