"I really wish there were something around now like IRC so we didn't need to use discord"
amazing
I believe, and forgive me for saying this, but the alternative you may be looking for is a thing called IRC.
@babe Bet it’s not as cool as AIM…
Mastodon is the best way to keep up with what's happening.
Follow anyone across the fediverse and see it all in chronological order. No algorithms, ads, or clickbait in sight.