Automatically highlight popular messages by reposting them to a dedicated starboard channel when they receive enough reactions.

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Starboard¶

The Starboard feature automatically highlights popular messages in your server by reposting them to a dedicated starboard channel when they receive enough reactions. This helps showcase high-quality content and celebrate community favorites.

How It Works¶

When a message receives enough reactions using the configured starboard emoji:

1. The message is posted to your designated starboard channel
2. The starboard message includes the original content, author, and a jump link
3. Reaction count updates automatically as reactions are added or removed
4. Messages are removed from the starboard if reactions drop below the threshold

Setting Up Starboard¶

Prerequisites¶

Before setting up starboard, ensure:

• You have permission to configure Tux (typically rank 5+)
• You have a dedicated channel for the starboard
• Tux has permission to send messages in that channel

Configuration Command¶

Use the /starboard setup command to configure starboard:

/starboard setup channel:#starboard emoji:⭐ threshold:5

Parameters:

• channel: The text channel where starred messages will be posted
• emoji: The emoji to use for starring (must be a single default Discord emoji)
• threshold: Minimum number of reactions needed (must be at least 1)

Example Setup¶

/starboard setup channel:#best-of emoji:⭐ threshold:3

This configuration will:

• Post messages to #best-of channel
• Use ⭐ emoji for reactions
• Require at least 3 reactions to appear on starboard

How Messages Get Starred¶

Reaction Requirements¶

For a message to appear on the starboard:

• It must receive reactions equal to or greater than the configured threshold
• Reactions must use the exact emoji configured for starboard
• Self-reactions (author reacting to their own message) don't count and are automatically removed

Automatic Updates¶

Starboard messages update automatically:

• Reaction count updates in real-time as reactions are added or removed
• Messages are removed from starboard if reactions drop below the threshold
• Original content is preserved even if the original message is edited

What Gets Included¶

Each starboard message includes:

• Original message content (full text)
• Author information (name and avatar)
• Reaction count (displayed in footer)
• Jump link to the original message
• First attachment (if the original message had images)
• Timestamp of when the original message was posted

Starboard Message Format¶

Starboard messages appear as embeds with:

⭐ [Reaction Count]

[Original Message Content]

Author: @username
Source: [Jump to message]

[First attachment image, if present]

Removing Starboard¶

To remove starboard configuration:

/starboard remove

This will:

• Remove the starboard configuration
• Stop monitoring reactions for starboard
• Note: Existing starboard messages remain in the channel

Behavior Details¶

Self-Reactions¶

Authors cannot star their own messages:

• If an author reacts to their own message, the reaction is automatically removed
• Self-reactions don't count toward the threshold
• This prevents self-promotion and ensures genuine community appreciation

Reaction Changes¶

The starboard responds to reaction changes:

• Adding reactions: Message appears or updates when threshold is reached
• Removing reactions: Message updates or is removed if below threshold
• Clearing reactions: Starboard message is deleted if all reactions are cleared

Channel Restrictions¶

Starboard works in:

• Text channels
• Threads
• Forum channels
• Any messageable channel

Starboard messages are only posted to the configured starboard channel.

Configuration Options¶

Emoji Selection¶

Requirements:

• Must be a single default Discord emoji (Unicode)
• Custom emojis are not supported
• Common choices: ⭐, 💫, 🌟, ⚡, 🔥

Examples:

• ⭐ - Classic star (most common)
• 💫 - Dizzy star
• 🌟 - Glowing star
• ⚡ - Lightning bolt
• 🔥 - Fire

Threshold Values¶

Recommended thresholds:

• Small servers (< 100 members): 2-3 reactions
• Medium servers (100-1000 members): 3-5 reactions
• Large servers (> 1000 members): 5-10 reactions

Considerations:

• Lower thresholds = more messages on starboard
• Higher thresholds = only exceptional content
• Start conservative and adjust based on activity

Use Cases¶

Highlighting Quality Content¶

Use starboard to showcase:

• Helpful answers and explanations
• Creative content and artwork
• Funny memes and jokes
• Important announcements
• Community achievements

Community Engagement¶

Starboard encourages:

• Quality posting - Members strive to create content worth starring
• Community recognition - Popular content gets visibility
• Content discovery - Easy way to find best messages
• Positive reinforcement - Rewards good contributions

Server Culture¶

Build community culture by:

• Celebrating helpful members
• Showcasing server highlights
• Creating a "best of" collection
• Encouraging positive interactions

Tips¶

Troubleshooting¶

Messages Not Appearing on Starboard¶

If messages aren't appearing:

1. Check threshold - Ensure the message has enough reactions
2. Verify emoji - Make sure reactions use the exact configured emoji
3. Check permissions - Tux needs permission to send messages in starboard channel
4. Verify configuration - Run /starboard setup to check current settings

Starboard Messages Not Updating¶

If reaction counts aren't updating:

1. Check bot status - Ensure Tux is online and functioning
2. Verify permissions - Tux needs permission to edit messages in starboard channel
3. Check logs - Look for error messages in bot logs

Wrong Emoji Being Used¶

If the wrong emoji is configured:

1. Remove starboard - Use /starboard remove
2. Reconfigure - Use /starboard setup with the correct emoji
3. Note: Existing starboard messages won't be affected

For Administrators¶

Setup Best Practices¶

1. Create dedicated channel - Use a channel specifically for starboard
2. Set appropriate permissions - Allow members to react but restrict posting
3. Choose accessible emoji - Pick an emoji that's easy to find and use
4. Start with moderate threshold - Begin with 3-5 reactions and adjust

Channel Configuration¶

Recommended starboard channel settings:

• Read permissions: Everyone can view
• Send messages: Only Tux can post
• Add reactions: Everyone can react
• Manage messages: Admins only (for cleanup if needed)

Integration with Other Features¶

Starboard integrates well with:

• XP System: Consider giving bonus XP for starred messages
• Moderation: Mods can manually react to highlight important messages
• Announcements: Pin frequently starred messages for visibility

Maintenance¶

Regular maintenance tasks:

• Review starboard channel periodically
• Adjust threshold if activity is too high/low
• Consider archiving old starboard messages
• Monitor for spam or inappropriate content