Messaging - Feature Guide

Overview

The Messaging app in the Fourth platform utilises a set of features that enhance communication, engagement, and moderation across businesses. Most users will be familiar with the functionality (channels, threads, reactions, polls, etc) from using popular messaging apps on their mobile devices.

Use these links to go straight to the relevant section of this article.

User Interface Overview

Mobile & Web Messaging

Accessing Messages

• Tap or click the Messages section in Engage
• Channels and Direct Messages can be expanded/collapsed as required
• Select a Channel/Direct Message to view it

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  • To receive/block message notifications on your device, use the Settings icon and the Push Notifications setting

User Avatars

• Select your profile from the top-left corner of the menu (where it displays 'Hi User Name')
• Edit/update your avatar image from the Profile settings

Channels

A channel is a space where a specific group of users can communicate. They are often used for teams, projects, or announcements, helping ensure that important information is shared with the appropriate people.

To create a new channel:

• Select the plus icon + in the 'Channels' section

• Search for and select the required users, and then select Invite (up to 2000 can be selected)
• Enter a channel name and then select Create

When you create a channel, you become the 'Operator' (moderator) of it.

Administering a Channel

• To edit the channel, select the 'i' icon

The Channel Information screen displays the channel name and avatar. Member information is also shown - see below.

• To change the channel name or add/update an Avatar, select Edit
• Use the other settings to view channel 'operators', members (including those muted and banned)
• To restrict the channel so that only operators can post messages, select Freeze Channel

Profanity Filter

A built-in profanity filter will detect and censor certain words and expressions contained in text and document messages, according to Fourth's policies and criteria.

Managing Members

• Expand the Members drop-down
• Select the three-dot icon against the required member
  • Select either:
  • Register as operator - allows the member to access these settings
  • Mute - muted members can still see messages, but are unable to post or take any action themselves
  • Ban - locks the member out of the channel - they will no longer see it
• To add more members to the channel, select Invite users

Users can message individuals (from the Channel Information screen) or the entire group.

Messaging Features

Message Replies

It is possible to reply directly to a message, which can help users keep track of the conversation in a channel chat.

To do this:

• Select the relevant message
• Select the three-dot icon and then Reply
• Enter your reply

The replied-to message will be displayed above your reply, with a 'You replied to' indication - see below.

To respond to a message with an emoji:

• Select the relevant message and then the emoji icon, as shown below 

Message Searching

• When in a channel or direct message thread, use the search icon
• Enter a search term
• Select a search result to go to that message

Sending Files

• In a channel or direct message thread, use the paperclip icon to post files

Images and videos will display in the chat. Files (PDFs, Word docs, etc) can be selected and downloaded for viewing.

The maximum file size that can be posted is 25MB - try to avoid posting large video files

GIFs

• To post an animated GIF (from a 3rd party source), use the plus icon in the bottom left corner
• Search for and select a GIF as required

Quick Polls

Polls are a useful tool for team interaction and decision-making. A poll can be created in both channels and direct messages.

• Use the plus icon in the bottom left corner
• Select Create poll
• Enter a Question or topic and then at least 2 options
• If required, select a date and time under Close poll automatically - after this, no more votes can be cast
• To manually close a poll, select it, use the three-dot icon and then Close poll (it is also possible to delete a poll from here)

Votes are anonymous, and users can only vote once in a poll.