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Riot is now Element

(element.io)
550 points J_tt | 1 comments | 15 Jul 20 07:07 UTC | HN request time: 0.195s | source
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x87678r ◴[15 Jul 20 12:27 UTC] No.23844181[source]▶
I still dont understand why Slack is popular when there is a free open source solution matrix/riot/element that works just as well.
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1. samdixon ◴[15 Jul 20 12:53 UTC] No.23844455[source]▶
Despite all of slacks flaws it still works better for most people IMO. I am very interested in matrix and personally use it, but there are a few areas where it is weaker to slack/discord.

1. Network effects. All your friends are already on slack/discord.

2. Difficulty to get started. Simply understanding what Matrix does, especially for someone non-technical, is more complex than setting up an entire slack workspace and inviting your friends.

3. Clients. While the slack client is a resource hog, for most people it is better than Riot/Element or other 3rd party options such as weechat.

I think all of these things are improving and Matrix absolutely will gain ground, but it will take time.