LPedia:Discord
Discord is a no-cost proprietary chat application available for PC and mobile platforms. A Discord server contains both text and voice channels used for real-time discussions and to share other forms of media between the members of that server.
The server can be reached through an invite link by clicking the button below:
Relation to LPedia
The LPedia Discord is not owned or controlled by the Historical Preservation Committee. It is a project run by volunteers of their own accord. The server was set up by users of LPedia as a place for folks who already used Discord to chat and share information. They are casual, and users should be aware that conversations held in Discord may be read by anyone who joins the server.
Usage
Discord is free to download on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android and can be used in most Internet Browsers without downloading. The server is joined by utilizing the invitation link above. Once joined, the user can simply return to the Discord site, or open the client of their choice. Users may add the {{User Discord}} userbox to their user page if they would like to show they are a member.
Text chat
Discord provides text channels that users can use to communicate through typing. These channels support various forms of markup and embedding, such as showing thumbnails for pictures, syntax highlighting for code fragments, or simply display emotes. Most of these features, such as embedding, can be disabled in the user preferences.
A key difference between Discord and IRC is that the former provides a backlog of chat. This can be handy for jumping into already-in-progress conversations, but also means that anything said is recorded in the history. Users should be aware that because only a few users are online at a given time, does not mean users who log in later will not see their message. However unlike IRC, users can ask questions in a channel and get an answer hours or days later from another user.
Unlike IRC, Discord does not show IP or hostname for users as they join servers and channels. As such, there is no host masking or cloaks to be setup.
Voice chat
A voice channel is also available, allowing users to communicate directly through voice. Users can rely on push-to-talk, where they must press a key while speaking, or voice detection, which will automatically broadcast when the user speaks. Users should be aware that anyone in the same channel will hear them. Voice channels have no specific assigned topics, unlike text channels. Users who have been inactive for 15 minutes are automatically moved to an AFK channel and muted.
Voice channels are not active unless the user specifically joins one. They are purely optional and have no impact on ability to use text channels.
Channels
Channels currently exist for the following topics or sites. New channels can be created as needed.
#logger– A private channel for MJL & moderators where a bot posts server alerts such as joins, leaves, message edits and message deletes. This exists purely for the benefit of server moderation and shortcomings in Discord's audit log.
Discussion channels
#general– A general channel for any topic related to LPedia or any other topics.#alternative– An alternative general channel for any other topic.
Server bots
The server currently has three bots that help in various ways.
- Logger – Responsible for the #logger channel mentioned above. Records various server alerts for server moderation purposes.
Bots eventually being sought
- WikiAuthBot – Responsible for assisting users with identifying their LPedia name and marking them as a Confirmed User. In any channel, post the message .auth and the bot will private message you with instructions. You must be able to receive messages for this to work. This relies on OAuth.
- WikiBot – Responsible for adding helpful links when users post Wikilink and Template syntax. For example, if you post
[[LPedia:Discord]], WikiBot will reply with an actual link to the page.
Group notifications
Notification methods are currently setup to allow for alerting certain user groups that there is an important issue on Wiki that needs assistance. These tags should only be used for cases that need immediate attention. Include the tag in your message in order to cause a notification.
@helper– This mention will cause a notification to persons who are assigned the "helper" role to receive the alerts.@owner– This mention will only notify MJL.
Moderators
The current moderator is MJL. Other mods will be added as needed:
- MJL (server operator)
Userbox
{{User Discord}}, which outputs:
| # | This user chats on Discord. |
|---|