This is more of a legit question than it is a hint of critique for the initiative, please don't take it wrong:
- As far as I know, the Freenode network is an Open Source based network of IRC servers, right? Old and not as feature-rich, but still gets the work done (It looks outdated and might be daunting to understand and use, that's completely right. It is also right that it needs a more modern alternative).
- And as far as I know Discord is an app from a Third Party that is actively (and legitimately) trying to monetize it. I don't know if it is Open Source or not, even though it says they "<3 Open Source", then again, so does Microsoft say it.
With these two points, the open question I would really like to ask is: Would transitioning from an Open Source network of (outdated yet functional) servers to a Third Party commercial (if free) App be an good move for a Linux community?