adjl posted...
That's an example of what I dislike about Discord being the primary hub for game content: If you don't join the Discord, you don't have access to those charts (I haven't played Trombone Champ yet, so I could be missing that the charts are accessible elsewhere, but for example's sake I'll keep talking as though my assumption is correct). For somebody who's more casually dabbling in the game that just does a google search for custom charts, that means those charts won't show up and they'll miss out on them unless they dig deep enough into other communities to find "check the Discord, that's where all the good stuff is," decide that they're committed enough to exploring the game further to actively join a community for it, then figure out where those charts are hiding in said Discord server. There's no opportunity to find the content as a guest stumbling upon a community that has it available to the general public.
I understand this complaint. At least with this example, the Discord server functions as a repository and common location for modders to post links to their content. Technically, you might still be able to find those links elsewhere as their generally just Google Docs. A lot of charters will upload videos of their charts on Youtube, although I suppose most will post links in the description to the server where you can access the link to their chart. But what's the alternative? An online forum? Most of those would have you make an account anyways. Easier to just make one Discord account and have access to any community.
adjl posted...
I recognize that a big part of my objection is my own shyness/social anxiety causing me to feel like the step of "actively joining a community" (particularly having to specifically request to join, even if I know it's often automated) is a much bigger deal than it is, but I still have some significant concerns about the model. The fact that stuff doesn't show up with a simple google search is a big one, since I'm pretty sure that's still how most people look for help and builds and whatnot for games, but also I'm concerned about how stable that information is, given that any of those Discord servers could be shut down at any time. I guess that's also true of wikis or other sources, but at least web archiving exists to extract historical content if that ends up coming to pass.
The good thing about a lot of the larger hubs, and this one specifically, is that you don't even need to engage in the community at all. Like, ever. You could make chart requests if you'd like, I have and have had some made for me. But if you wanted, you could just lurk and download charts to your hearts content.
But like, you're here aren't you? Posting daily. What's the difference?
Even still, I understand the reservation because I had it myself for years, simply because I didn't understand the platform. Once I was given a reason to join, it quickly became something I really appreciated.