Answers.Body: <p>Mattermost is open source messaging software - see <a href="https://www.mattermost.org/" rel="noreferrer">https://www.mattermost.org/</a></p>
  
  <p>References to Mattermost within this CiviCRM StackExchange site generally refer to CiviCRM's online community chat system that uses the Mattermost software and is one of the various <a href="https://civicrm.org/help" rel="noreferrer">support resources for CiviCRM</a>.</p>
  
  <p>StackExchange uses a Question and Answer format which works well for many things but sometimes an interactive chat format is more appropriate.</p>
  
  <p>You can access it at <a href="https://chat.civicrm.org/" rel="noreferrer">https://chat.civicrm.org/</a>  Follow the links to create an account.  </p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>It is organised into various public and private channels.  Take note of the description of each channel and post your question in the most relevant one. </li>
  <li>If you're unsure which channel to use, try 'Town Square' or 'User Support'.</li>
  <li>Just ask your question. Don't ask if it's ok to ask. </li>
  <li>Choose the most appropriate channel and ask.  Don't post the same question in multiple channels.</li>
  <li>It is possible to send "Direct Messages" to other users but don't use them, unless you know the person and you are sure they are the only one that can reply.</li>
  <li>Be nice!  It is a community of fellow CiviCRM users who are often very helpful, but do remember no-one is obliged to help you.</li>
  </ul>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-27T14:36:11.157Z
Answers.Text: I'd be even more explicit about DM: don't use them, unless you know the person and you are sure that's the only one that can reply
Answers.UserDisplayName: Xavier
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-27T19:03:44.007Z
Answers.Text: Good point @Xavier - I've edited to include that.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Aidan
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-27T11:32:52.043Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2018-06-27T19:02:17.633Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2018-06-27T19:02:17.633Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Aidan
Body: <p>In several posts on this CiviCRM StackExchange site, I see references to people getting help via 'Mattermost'.</p>
  
  <p>What is it and how do I use it?</p>
  
Tags: <community>
Title: What is Mattermost / chat?
ThreadText: # What is Mattermost / chat?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2018-06-27)
  
  In several posts on this CiviCRM StackExchange site, I see references to people getting help via 'Mattermost'.
  
  What is it and how do I use it?
  
  **Tags:** community
  
  
  ---
  
  ## 1 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_0 on 2018-06-27. Score: 7 | Accepted answer
  
  Mattermost is open source messaging software - see <https://www.mattermost.org/>
  
  References to Mattermost within this CiviCRM StackExchange site generally refer to CiviCRM's online community chat system that uses the Mattermost software and is one of the various [support resources for CiviCRM](https://civicrm.org/help).
  
  StackExchange uses a Question and Answer format which works well for many things but sometimes an interactive chat format is more appropriate.
  
  You can access it at <https://chat.civicrm.org/> Follow the links to create an account.
  
  * It is organised into various public and private channels. Take note of the description of each channel and post your question in the most relevant one.
  * If you're unsure which channel to use, try 'Town Square' or 'User Support'.
  * Just ask your question. Don't ask if it's ok to ask.
  * Choose the most appropriate channel and ask. Don't post the same question in multiple channels.
  * It is possible to send "Direct Messages" to other users but don't use them, unless you know the person and you are sure they are the only one that can reply.
  * Be nice! It is a community of fellow CiviCRM users who are often very helpful, but do remember no-one is obliged to help you.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: I'd be even more explicit about DM: don't use them, unless you know the person and you are sure that's the only one that can reply  
  > **username_0**: Good point @username_1 - I've edited to include that.  
  
  ---
  
  