# R'n'B Slack Manual

|  | Welcome to Slack, the groupware we use to organize our studies in the RNB master's program. |
|:----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

## What is slack?

Slack is a web based application that provides an easy way for groups to organize and discuss multiple topics at the same time. By using different channels within groups (or workspaces) the topics can be strictly seperated to promote general clairity whenever there is something to discuss. The point is to avoid confusion by mixing topics. And of course, within these channels you still have the abilty to react directly to posts, upload files, share upcoming events to others calendars, start polls and many more. This sounds actually more sophisticated than it is. To put it plainly, try to think of it as groups within a group in facebook.
We created such a workspace for our master's program to simplify communication and to keep the overview of our many group works and - of course - for just chit chat. We can create a channel for every course, or private groups for the group work. Using slack, all uni related stuff is kept in one place and still accessible for everyone. We can work together on our projects without the distraction of other messages and can communicate inter-group-wide.
There is a completely free slack version (5GB workspace)! So, why wait any longer? Be part of it and join the R'n'B slackers now!

## Get the app

There is an app available for iOS, Android, Windows and Linux (beta), so you can enjoy slack even more conveniently. You can also use it in your browser, but the desktop and smartphone applications are definitely recommendable.

## Joining our workspace

Since we created a workspace for our master's program and study related topics, we don't really want people from outside to join. This is why you need an invitation to see the workspace. After you received your invitiation through an admin (or took it yourself via URL) you only need to register a slack account and you're all set.

### Invitation via email

Send an email to one of our Admins and they will let you join our slack-group.

### Invitation via URL

[Invitation link](https://join.slack.com/t/rnb20212022/shared_invite/zt-yl6ubybn-gR8KVFCCU3OoPn~XsyggEw)

### How to register
Almost made it! But you probably need a slack account. Just follow these steps to create one.

1) As soon as you receive the invitation link you will be forwarded to the following website:


2) Fill in your email adress and click **Verify email**.
3) Now you can log into your mail account check your inbox for the **confirmation code**
5) Fill in your information (please refer to the **registration guidelines**) and uncheck the box at the bottom about e-mails from slack.
5) You are now a part of our slack workspace, welcome!

### Registration guidelines
To guarantee that all members of the workspace are distinguishable, please use your **full name** as your slack name.
Your *display name* can be a nickname.
Please add your **bachelor's degree** and your **email-address and or phone number** in your profile description.

## First steps
As soon as you completed the registration, you will get a quick introduction to slack.
After that you can:
* Join existing channels in the "Channel" tab to the left
* Create closed channels for your group work
* Chat with other members

## Channels
Since slack is divided into many different channels, each channel can focus on one aspect or course within the study program.

Here are some examples of our current channels:
- #allgemein: the default channel for everything about our program
- #events: a channel for all partys and events
- #nasl: everything related to the module NASL

As soon as you join a channel via the Channels tab on the left, you will be able to participate in the discussion. Because joining and leaving a channel only requires one simple click, you can adjust your channel sidebar dynamically depending on your current interests.

### Threads
A Thread describes a collection of comments on a post. So this is where discussion takes place. By directly commenting on a post, you automatically start a thread.
To comment or react to a specific message it is highly encouraged to create a thread for the corresponding message. This way we can greatly reduce the amount of notifications and spam.
A thread can be created by hovering over the message and then pressing the speech bubble.


##### All Threads
Under the "All Threads" tab on the left side you will be able to see all replies to threads you commented on.

### Public and private channels
Public channels are created by our slack Admins and can be joined by anyone who is interested in the topic. If you have a suggestion for a new public channel, feel free to contact an Admin.

Private channels are mostly for WGs (or super secret groups).
Everyone can create a private channel, but members can only join through a direct invitation.

## Direct Messages
Slack has a direct messenger where you can see which members are currently online or just leave a message for someone.
Depending on your account settings you can get notifications on your phone (or desktop) whenever someone tries to contact you.

## Apps and integrations
Slack can integrate apps and workflows like calenders, Google Drive, Zoom, Office 365. These we still need to explore and find the best fit for us.

## Advanced features
>**Mobile only**:
>Settings (...) → Advanced → Back button exits app
>// using your smartphone back button no longer closes the slack app but rather shows you the channel menu again

>**General**:
>Settings (...) → Notifications
>// customize the way you will receive notifications from slack
>(Mentions, Keywords, replies to threads, etc.)

> Preferences → Notifications → My keywords
> // use keywords to get special notification if your keyword was typed in any channel (e.g. "foodsharing" or your name)

> Preferences → Advanced → Input/Other Options
> // (de)activate shortcuts which can be used within the browser or desktop application

> Preferences → Messages & Media → Names
> // choose between showing display names or complete names for each user within the workspace

> Preferences → Sidebar
> // Customize your Slack theme or Sidebar Settings

> While you are in a channel → hover over a message → More actions → Remind me about this
> // choose a time when you want to be reminded about this message again (useful for polls, questions you asked or interesting discussions you want to follow)