I feel like you guys are looking through rose-tinted glasses or something remembering things fonder than they used to be. There never was a time when there wasn't an off-site chat where people, mainly the RP'ers, gathered. I mean, back in 2010-2013 it was MSN. 2013/14-2016 it was skype, from then on it's been discord. I remember IRC being a thing for a bit, but it wasn't long enough to matter or make a mark. It's not like this is a new phenomenon that started because of discord. It's just shifted platforms as old chats and services became obsolete. It was so prevalent back in 2011-2013 there had to be rules made about off-site permissions being invalid. Like if you got someone over MSN or Skype to say you could get an ability you couldn't use it to get that ability, it had to be stated physically on the site. Also, you have to have some severe ADHD or a memory problem if you forget what's been said in five minutes. Yesterday Lgeezy went on for 20 minutes telling some off the wall story with emotes. It's also easier to find information there, revolving around previous checks, or statements, as you can search, and find specific phrases you remember being mentioned in the discord about specific abilities and such. Additionally, if something is announced on there, like an event or an update, it's definitely mentioned here in a post. Like the updates thread, or the Noticeboard, or wherever updates need to be posted. It's just easier, faster, and more direct to talk to each other on the discord. Like it was easier to do over skype, or MSN before that.