# Direct messages

## Start a chat

### 1. From a chat or text block 

As soon as a member posts a message in a chat or is mentioned in a text block, their name is clickable. 

Clicking on their name will open their profile in a side window. To the right of `Profile` is the `Chat` button which allows you to start a discussion with the member.

<figure><img src="https://3055204660-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrzBxnWaSListMwx3rzKu%2Fuploads%2FMb3ZeA8YuLuaCefKoz1t%2FDirect%20message.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a8505861-57f0-4621-8ab3-369b81c48d48" alt="Direct message tab in member&#x27;s profile"><figcaption><p>Direct message tab in member's profile</p></figcaption></figure>

### 2. From the member directory&#x20;

Hover your mouse over a member's card to reveal a chat bubble icon in the top right corner. Clicking on this button will take you directly to the chat with that member.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/832313525/e82add2b8b?share=copy>" %}

### 3. From the direct messages menu&#x20;

On the top bar of your Spot you will find a :speech\_balloon: button that gives you access to **a list of all your open direct chats**. Click on the member's name to open the chat.

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/832626333/f0968cf61d?share=copy>" %}

{% hint style="info" %}
When you receive a new direct message, a notification will appear in both the notification menu and the direct message menu.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Sending a Direct message&#x20;

Once you have opened a chat with a member, you can send them any content that is supported by our text editor: emojis, links, images, and embed many URLs.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %}
**Any content sent as a private message is not visible to anyone else, not even the admin of the spot.**&#x20;
{% endhint %}

On each message sent or received, it is possible to add an **emoji reaction** by passing your mouse over it.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
By default, you'll receive notifications for every direct message you receive. However, you have the option to disable these notifications. Additionally, reactions to direct messages will not trigger any notifications.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3055204660-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrzBxnWaSListMwx3rzKu%2Fuploads%2FHxW6c3ck1nyTTSQbZmkn%2FDirect%20message_Email%20digest.png?alt=media&#x26;token=70046782-1fda-4608-a3fe-16381fe137d3" alt="Direct message email notification settings"><figcaption><p>Direct message email notification settings</p></figcaption></figure>

## Editing or deleting a direct message&#x20;

If you happen to make a mistake while sending a direct message, don't worry! You can easily rectify it by hovering your mouse over the message. This action will reveal two options in the top right-hand corner: an edit :pencil2: button and a delete :wastebasket: button.

When editing a message, it is possible to replace its entire content. To publish the edited message click on the send button, **it will then appear in the discussion with the indication (`modified`) at the end.**&#x20;

When deleting a message, a confirmation window will open when you click on the button. **Any deletion of a message is final and irreversible.**


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