08:53 <TMM_> I can recommend quassel for IRC

08:53 <TMM_> It has about 95% of the benefits of using Matrix for IRC

08:53 <TMM_> But there's no bridge to throw a wobbler

08:54 <TMM_> Overall my experience has been more stable than matrix

10:57 <XgF> kentonv: its not clear that there was personal benefit vs securing funding for Freenode Live 2017/2018

13:13 <ocdtrekkie> XgF: There was a significant personal benefit for christel, according to the original announcement: She got put on PIA's payroll.

13:54 <kentonv> XgF, christel's email to Lee (at least according to his screenshot) said: "Some time ago you expressed interest in purchasing freenode or entering into some form of partnership. Due to a change in personal circumstances I am currently in a position where I might be somewhat more open to negotiation (or desperate for a second job, though I am unsure whether you guys have anything suitable for me! Hehe)."

13:54 <kentonv> (source: http://techrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/lee-side.pdf )

13:55 <kentonv> so yeah sounds like personal benefit to me

17:23 <ocdtrekkie> That was even public in 2017: "On a personal level, I have joined PIA as a full-time employee and I will be holding a dual role." https://freenode.net/news/pia-fn

17:31 <ocdtrekkie> I have taken a new step in de-Googling. I now am only signed into Google when on a Firefox container tab. I am still getting used to the additional step when I want to check my old Gmail account, post on the Groups list via the web UI, or use YouTube... but it feels like a worthwhile step in the process.