Threads keep side conversations from burying the main one. Instead of answering in the channel, you reply to a particular message, and the replies collect underneath it. This guide explains how threads work in Tandem App, how following works, and where to find threads you're part of.

Starting a thread

  1. Point at a message and click Reply.
  2. The thread opens beside the conversation, with the original message at the top.
  3. Type your reply in the thread's message box and press Enter.

The original message then shows how many replies it has. Click that count to open the thread again. Press Esc, or click Close, to close it.

Also sending a reply to the channel

Sometimes a reply in a thread is something everyone should see, such as the decision at the end of a discussion. Tick Also send to #channel under the thread's message box before you send. The reply stays in the thread and also appears in the main conversation, with a link back to the thread. In a direct message, the box reads Also send to the conversation.

Following a thread

You follow a thread automatically when you start it, reply in it or are mentioned in it. While you follow a thread, you're notified about new replies.

  • To follow a thread you haven't joined, open it and click Follow.
  • To stop hearing about a thread, click Following to unfollow it.

Once you've chosen either way, Tandem App remembers it: unfollowing a busy thread means a later mention won't sign you up again without your say.

The Threads page

Click Threads in the sidebar to see every thread you follow that has at least one reply, newest activity first, across all your channels and conversations. Threads with replies you haven't read are marked, and the sidebar shows how many there are. Open one to read and reply without hunting for the original message.

Doing more with a thread

  • Every reply has the same tools as a normal message: react, Save, and the ⋯ menu with Remind me, Copy link and Forward….
  • If a thread uncovers work to be done, use Make a task on the message that describes it. See turning messages into tasks.
  • To find threads in search, add is:thread to your search.
  • Polls can't be started inside a thread; start them in the main conversation.

Good thread habits

  • Reply in a thread whenever you're answering one specific message, especially in busy channels.
  • Keep one topic per thread. If a discussion wanders, start a new message in the channel.
  • When a thread reaches a decision, send the summary to the channel too, so people who don't follow the thread still see it.
  • Guests with read-only access can read threads but can't reply.

For getting the right people's attention inside a thread, see mentions, reactions and pins.