Slack for Beginners: How Our Community Works (Without the Tech Headache)
If you’ve never used Slack before, you’re in good company. A lot of people join Live it up, Las Palmas! having absolutely no idea what Slack is, how it works, or why everyone keeps mentioning “threads”.
This article is your calm, judgment-free introduction. No tech background needed. Read this once and you’ll already be ahead of most newcomers.
🤔 What Slack Actually Is (And What It Isn’t)
Slack is the platform we use to host the Live it up, Las Palmas! community.
It is not the community itself. Slack is simply the tool that helps us organise conversations. Think of it like a very well-structured group chat, where topics are separated instead of everything ending up in one noisy feed.
Once you understand the basics, Slack is quieter and more useful than WhatsApp or Facebook groups.
👤 Set Up Your Profile First
Before posting anything, please:
• Use your real name
• Upload a clear photo of your face
This helps people recognise you and creates real connections instead of anonymous usernames talking into the void.
👋 Introduce Yourself in #introduction
Every new member is encouraged to post in #introduction.
You don’t need to write a life story. A short intro is perfect:
- Who you are
- Why you’re in Gran Canaria (or planning to be)
- What you’re looking for or interested in
This makes it much easier for others to reply to you later and for you to feel part of the community.
🗂️ Channels: Where Things Go
Slack is divided into channels, each with a specific topic.
Housing goes in housing channels. Events go in event channels. Questions go in relevant topic channels.
Post once, in one channel only.
Posting the same message in multiple channels, or rewriting it slightly and posting again, is not allowed. This includes “just to reach more people”.
If you’re unsure where something belongs, pick the most relevant channel. With more than 25 channels, there is always a good fit.
🧵 Threads: The Feature That Keeps Slack Clean and Readable
Threads are what prevent Slack from turning into one long, messy group chat. They help keep conversations organised, readable, and on-topic, especially in a large community like ours.
Think of threads as mini conversations that live under one specific message.
🧠 What Is a Thread?
A thread is a conversation attached to one specific message.
Think of it like this:
- The channel is the noticeboard
- A thread is the discussion under one notice
Instead of everyone replying in the channel and mixing topics, Slack keeps replies grouped under the original post. This is how conversations stay readable.
📌 When Should You Use a Thread?
You should use a thread when:
- You are replying to someone’s post
- You are answering a question
- You are commenting on details of a post
- You are continuing a conversation
In short: almost always.
New topic = new post
Reply to a post = thread
📱 How to Reply in a Thread on Mobile
Using Slack on your phone:
- Tap on the message you want to reply to
- A small menu appears
- Tap Reply in thread
- A new screen opens
- Type your message and send
Do not type your reply directly in the channel under the post.
💻 How to Reply in a Thread on Desktop
Using Slack on a computer:
- Hover your mouse over the message
- Small icons appear on the right
- Click Reply in thread (speech bubble icon)
- A panel opens on the right side
- Type your reply there
That’s it.
🚫 Common Thread Mistakes to Avoid
- Replying in the channel instead of the thread
- Writing “interested” or “following” as a new channel message
- Using “Also send to channel” unless it truly concerns everyone
Replies that ignore threads may be deleted by the admin to keep Slack readable.
👀 Will I Miss Replies If I Use Threads?
No.
Thread replies appear:
- Inside the thread
- In your Replies section
- As notifications if you have them enabled
Even if the channel moves on, you won’t lose the conversation.
✍️ How to Post Without Overthinking
A few simple rules that help everyone:
• Stay on topic in each channel
• If your post is long, add a short summary and put details in the thread
• If you’re offering something, include price, details, and contact info
Clear posts get replies. Vague posts usually don’t.
🚫 Things That Are Not Allowed
Some rules exist because experience taught us they are necessary:
• No duplicate posts across channels
• No get-rich-quick schemes, investments, affiliate links, MLM
• No unsolicited DMs, personal or business
• No controversial topics like politics or religion
• No WhatsApp or external group links that bypass community rules
Breaking rules can lead to temporary suspension or permanent removal.
🏠 A Special Note About Accommodation Posts
The #accommodation_offers channel is locked by default.
It can only be accessed after payment and admin approval. This rule exists to protect members from spam, scams, and low-quality listings.
Posting or promoting accommodation in any other channel is not allowed. This includes:
- “Just mentioning” that you have a room or flat
- Hinting at availability and asking people to DM you
- Reposting accommodation offers in other channels
If you want to advertise accommodation, you must:
- Get permission to access #accommodation_offers (after payment)
- Post only in that channel
- Include price, photos of the inside, and availability
Posting accommodation elsewhere may result in:
- Immediate post removal
- Temporary account suspension
- Repeated violations leading to removal from the community
If you’re unsure whether your post counts as an accommodation offer, ask the admin before posting.
More information about posting in #accommodation_offers.
📣 Advertising and Events: Read Carefully
Anything with a commercial angle counts as advertising.
Advertising is only allowed:
• With a Business Account
• Or via a one-time paid ad (€6.90 per post)
Ads can be edited but not reposted. One payment = one ad.
If you’re unsure, ask the admin before posting.
🔔 Notifications, Mentions, and Saved Items
A few useful basics:
• Enable notifications so you don’t miss replies
• Use @mentions sparingly
• Do not pin or unpin messages (as you pin/unpin them for the entire workspace)
• Use Add to saved items for important posts (this is just for you)
Messages disappear after 90 days, so save what matters.
🧭 Final Tip: Slack Is Calmer Than It Looks
Slack works best when people:
• Read before posting
• Use threads
• Respect channel topics
• Treat others like real humans
You don’t need to be loud or online all day. Observe first, post clearly, and reply in threads.
If you do those three things, you’re already doing Slack right.
Welcome to Live it up, Las Palmas! Start with #introduction, take it slow, and you’ll feel at home quickly.
