Do not worry, if you are new to Slack. It is extremely simple. As I am writing this, I have been used Slack no longer than four weeks :)
Slack is a messaging service similar to WhatsApp or Facebook messenger: You can send text messages to individuals or a group of people. In contrast to other messaging services, Slack sends messages very fine grained. Thus, Slack notifies you only if the information is relevant for you. Hence, the times are gone in which you had to mute a group chat because huge numbers of non-relevant messages were sent.
Hierarchy
How does Slack know which messages are important to me? Actually, it does not. Nevertheless, it helps you to choose what is relevant to you. This is achieved by a hierarchy with three levels. The three levels are workspaces, channels, and threads.
Workspace
A workspace is the top level container in which all members are invited. You can have several workspaces beside the CBB Zurich workspace.
Channel
Joining a channel
The channel is where all the messaging happens. The CBB Zurich workspace has multiple channels. I am sure there are some channels you might want to join!
You can join a channel by clicking on Channels in the left sidebar of Slack. In the popup window, you can then select all the channels you would like to join.
Create a channel
Click the plus icon next to Channels in the left sidebar. Set a name respecting the workspace convention and a purpose of the channel and invite others.
If a channel's conversation is better suited for a closed audience, you can create a private channel. Follow the instructions on how to create a channel (see above). In the popup, use the toggle switch to make the channel private.
A private channel is visible only to its members. Thus, it is the perfect tool for planning secrete birthday parties and for top-secret homework assignments!
Threads
The Threads gather all the relevant messages for you, i.e. your personal DMs, your own posts, the posts you commented as well as the postd you were tagged in.
Posts
Create a post
You write a post by first selecting a channel and then write your message in the text field at the bottom of the application window.
React to a post
If you hover with your mouse over a post, a small box with five icons (see Figure below) appears on the right side post. They offer the following options:
Add reaction
Start a thread
Forward message
Star message
More actions
Most important is the second option "Start a thread". This let you respond directly to a message in a channel, keeping the replies organized in a single, threaded conversation. Only those who have contributed to or are following the thread will be notified.
If you want to reply on a post, start a thread instead of replying in a new post.
Direct messages
You can send direct messages to anyone in the CBB Slack Workspace the same way you may be used to on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook. You also have the option of creating a group chat