The digital era has revolutionized the way we interact and communicate, especially within online communities. As these communities grow and evolve, the need for efficient and engaging tools becomes paramount. Enter the Server Home—a game-changing feature designed to enhance the user experience by summarizing key moments and active discussions within a community. In this article, we will explore what the Server Home is, where to find it, how content appears on it, its behavior, content curation capabilities, how to participate in the beta, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is the Server Home?
The Server Home is a new area located at the top of the channel list, offering members a snapshot of interesting moments happening within the community. It serves as a centralized hub where users can quickly catch up on important messages and join active conversations. This feature is designed to streamline the user experience, ensuring that members never miss out on significant events or discussions.
Where to Find the Server Home
You can find the Server Home at the very top of the channel list. However, it is important to note that it will not be visible to members who can see fewer than five channels. This design ensures that the Server Home is only accessible to those who are actively engaged in the community and have sufficient access to various channels.
How Content Appears on the Server Home
The Server Home is divided into two main sections: Highlights and Active Now.
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Highlights:
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This section features a curated selection of the most important messages, allowing members to quickly catch up on recent activities within the server.
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It only displays content from channels that the user has access to.
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If a member has muted a channel, content from that channel will not appear in the Highlights section.
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Active Now:
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This section shows where active conversations are currently taking place, highlighting discussions that members can join in real-time.
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Similar to the Highlights section, it only includes channels that the user can access.
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Behavior
By default, when you visit a server, you are directed to the Server Home. However, if you have recently visited the server, you will be directed to the last channel you visited instead. This ensures that the Server Home does not interrupt ongoing conversations, allowing you to continue participating without unnecessary detours.
Content Curation Capabilities
Yes, content curation is possible! Users with the "Manage Messages" permission can curate content on the Server Home in three ways:
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Featuring Messages:
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You can feature a message at the top of the Server Home for a set duration (24 hours, 3 days, or 7 days). This is a great way to highlight important contributions, events, or discussions.
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To feature a message, right-click on it and select "Feature Message" from the content menu.
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Removing Messages:
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If you see something on the Server Home that you do not want to be there, you can remove it for everyone. This action will not delete the message from its original channel.
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To remove a message, open the content menu on the Server Home and select "Remove from Home."
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Excluding Channels:
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You can exclude certain channels from appearing on the Server Home by adjusting the settings in the channel's preferences.
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How to Join the Beta or Provide Feedback
Currently, the Server Home feature is in a trial phase, available to a select number of communities with over 5,000 members. Ultimately, the Server Home will be available to all servers with the Community feature enabled.
If your community has access to the Server Home and you wish to provide feedback, you can find a survey in the Server Home settings content menu. Your feedback is invaluable in refining and improving the experience for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I remove the Server Home from my server? A: No, you cannot currently disable the Server Home. However, if you have suggestions on how to improve its value to your community, please fill out the survey in the Server Home settings content menu.
Q: Can I change the position of the Server Home? A: No, you cannot change its position. If the current placement affects your community's experience, please share your feedback via the survey.
Q: Why can't I see the Server Home on my server? A: The Server Home is currently available to specific communities with a certain number of users. Additionally, you must have access to at least six channels for the Server Home to be visible.
Q: What if I don't want my content to appear on the Server Home? A: There is no option to prevent your content from appearing on the Server Home. However, only members with access to the channels where you post will see your content on the Server Home.
Q: Can people outside my server see the Server Home? A: No, only members with access to your community can see the Server Home. Additionally, only those with access to at least six channels can view its content.
Q: Why do messages disappear from my Server Home? A: Read messages move to the bottom, while unread highlights are prioritized at the top.
The Server Home is a powerful tool designed to enhance community engagement and streamline the user experience. By providing a centralized hub for important messages and active discussions, it ensures that members stay informed and connected. As this feature evolves, user feedback will play a crucial role in shaping its future development.
