There are several reasons why we avoid Discord, including several privacy issues, and the requirement of a proprietary client.

You can read an article that explains some of Discord's issues.

That is why we opted to use Matrix, a secure, decentralized, and open-source messaging protocol.

getting a client

The first thing you need to is download a client. There are many clients compatible with the Matrix Protocol, for mobile, desktop (e.g. Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS, Windows), web, and even Nintendo 3DS.

Element is a widely-used cross-platform client. Do you use Discord? Cinny will feel like home. Other clients we recommend include SchildiChat and FluffyChat (mobile).

There exist a wide assortment of clients that you can pick from. You can find a list of clients on the matrix.org website.

registering an account

Once you download your client, all that's left do is to register an account.

Matrix is decentralized, meaning that there are multiple homeservers you can choose from to create your account. These homeservers exchange messages with each other, so you can talk to people on different homeservers.

Matrix.org is a decent homeserver, but there are others we recommend such as envs.net.

joining our space

Your last step: join our Matrix space, which is the Matrix equivalent of a Discord server. Make sure to say hi!