Abstract:
Our Discord server currently maintains Level 3 status through community member boosts. To ensure long-term stability and brand consistency, the council should consider establishing official boost funding to prevent potential loss of premium features should community support fluctuate.
Specification:
Current Status: Server maintains Level 3 status through voluntary community member boosts, providing:
- Custom Vanity URL for professional branding
- Animated server banner
- Enhanced 384 kbps audio quality
- 100MB file upload capacity
- HD video streaming capabilities
Potential Issue: Community members can withdraw their boosts at any time, which would drop the server below Level 3 if insufficient boosts remain.
Proposed Solution: Council-backed boost support to ensure consistent Level 3 maintenance regardless of community member participation changes.
Rationale:
Stability Concern: While community members have generously provided boosts to achieve Level 3, this creates dependency on individual member decisions. Members may:
- Change their Discord preferences affecting boost allocation
- Experience financial changes requiring Nitro cancellation
- Leave the server, taking their boosts with them
- Simply choose to redirect their boosts elsewhere
Brand Consistency: The association benefits from professional Discord branding through the custom vanity URL and enhanced features. Official boost backing would ensure these branding elements remain consistent.
Preventive Measure: Establishing association-backed boost support now, while not urgent, prevents potential future disruption to the community experience and marketing materials.
Implementation:
- Council Review: Evaluate the value of maintaining Level 3 status for association branding
- Boost Assessment: Determine minimum association contribution needed alongside community support
- Purchase Official Boosts: Acquire association-backed boosts as insurance against community fluctuations
- Monitor Status: Establish routine checking of boost levels and community contributions
- Adjust as Needed: Scale association support up or down based on community participation
Timeline: Non-urgent implementation allows for proper budget planning and gradual transition.
Potential Consequences if Level 3 is Lost:
Immediate Effects:
- Vanity URL Loss: Custom branded invite link would be forfeited and become available for others to claim after 72 hours
- Feature Reduction: Audio quality drops to 128 kbps, file uploads reduced to 8MB, no HD streaming
- Visual Impact: Animated server banner would be removed
- Brand Inconsistency: Marketing materials with custom links would need updating
Recovery Considerations:
- URL Availability: Once lost, the specific vanity URL may not be available again
- Rebranding Requirements: External links across platforms would need updating
- Community Impact: Members accustomed to enhanced features would experience downgrade
Security Note:
If the vanity URL is lost, there is a possibility that bad actors could claim it and create imposter servers, though this risk exists primarily during the transition period.
Investment Analysis:
Cost Consideration:
- Monthly Boost Cost: $10-15 for association-backed boost insurance
- Current Status: No immediate cost while community maintains support
- Value Protection: Preserves professional branding and enhanced community features
Risk Assessment:
- Low Immediate Risk: Current community support maintains Level 3 successfully
- Future Uncertainty: Community participation may change over time
- Prevention vs. Reaction: Proactive support cheaper than post-loss recovery
Recommendation: Consider gradual implementation when budget allows, treating this as community infrastructure investment rather than emergency expense.
Success Metrics:
- Vanity URL click-through rates vs. previous generic links
- New member join rates post-implementation
- Member retention rates
- Community engagement levels (messages, voice chat usage)
- Brand mention consistency across platforms