seguing from the other topic because i don’t think we should continue the conversation in a topic made for something else 
No, they use Discourse because it’s easier and more efficient to integrate another ready-to-use software instead of creating their own communications software. Look at our Viki-made Volunteer Inbox. It’s not very efficient and we still can’t chat real-time or send pictures and videos. Many volunteer teams just used a private group on Discussions instead. Discourse specializes in the communications platform while Viki is mainly a streaming service, so obviously, it’s more efficient to just integrate the two. Viki just pays them for the integration.
Everyone has access to the Discussions board. I still don’t pay for a subscription. I used Discussions wayyy before I started volunteering and earned my Pass.
We’ve been complaining and complaining for a very long time now, as I’ve read older posts before I joined two years ago. The changes are happening, slowly. We’ve had quite a few updates since 2019 and even though a lot of them are bug-ridden, it’s good to see some changes. I’m really anticipating the new Project Finder.
In general, I do like the way Viki communicates with volunteers(however rare the instances 
). I like that they’ve been taking feedback surveys and actually changing stuff. I like that they wish me on my birthday, it’s cute 
They’re short-staffed now, so it looks like it’s taking a long time to get answers. I’ve personally asked for help twice now and got a reply within two days. But that was a few months ago.