How to write private messages¶
What this is for¶
Messages are private conversations with other LOS users. Conversations happen in threads, and replies appear in chat-like order.
How to get there¶
Click the envelope icon in the top bar (Messages, /messages). You start a
new conversation with the New message button or the envelope icon next to a
user in Society.
Step by step¶
- Click New message.
- Type the recipient's name in the Recipient field — after two characters a list of matching users appears; pick the right one. You can remove the recipient with the cross on their label.
- Enter a Subject (up to 255 characters) and the Message body (up to 10000 characters).
- Click Send. The conversation thread opens.
- In the thread, type your answer in the Reply field and send it with the Send reply button.
- Return to the mailbox with the Messages button; the Inbox and Sent tabs separate received and sent conversations.
Fields and options¶
| Element | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Inbox, Sent | Mailbox tabs with conversation counters. |
| Counter on a conversation | Number of unread messages in the thread. |
| Load more | Loads older conversations and messages. |
| Subject | Required, up to 255 characters. |
| Message, Reply | Up to 10000 characters; sending requires content. |
| Timestamp | Times are shown in your time zone. |
Common mistakes / pitfalls¶
- Opening a thread marks received messages as read; the unread counter next to the envelope disappears after a refresh.
- The counter next to the envelope can be hidden in Settings → Notifications — messages will still arrive and stay unread.
- A thread you have no access to shows Thread not found.
- Reply content is visible to all participants of the conversation.