Direct Messaging

Direct messages (DMs) let you have private conversations with your connections. Build relationships, collaborate, and communicate one-on-one.

Accessing Messages

From Navigation

1. Click Messages in the sidebar
2. View your conversation list
3. Click any conversation to open

From a Profile

1. View a connected maker's profile
2. Click Message button
3. Opens conversation (creates one if new)

The Messages Interface

Layout

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  CONVERSATIONS    │      ACTIVE CHAT            │
│                   │                             │
│  [Person 1]  .    │  Person 1                   │
│  "Last message.." │  ─────────────────────────  │
│                   │                             │
│  [Person 2]       │  Their message              │
│  "Last message.." │                             │
│                   │        Your message         │
│  [Person 3]       │                             │
│  "Last message.." │  Their message              │
│                   │                             │
│                   │  ─────────────────────────  │
│                   │  [Type a message...]  Send  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Conversation List

Shows all your conversations:

• Profile picture — Who you're chatting with
• Name — Their display name
• Last message — Preview of recent message
• Time — When last message was sent
• Unread indicator — Dot for unread messages

Active Chat

Shows the selected conversation:

• Message history
• Their messages on left
• Your messages on right
• Timestamps on messages
• Compose area at bottom

Sending Messages

Starting a New Conversation

1. Go to Messages
2. Find the person in your connections list
3. Click to open conversation
4. Type your message
5. Press Enter or click Send

Continuing a Conversation

1. Click on existing conversation
2. Type in compose area
3. Send your message

Message Features

Real-Time Messaging

Live Updates

Messages appear instantly:

• No need to refresh
• Messages sync across devices
• Powered by Supabase Realtime

Managing Conversations

Finding Conversations

Search:

• Use search to find specific people
• Search by name or username

Sort:

• Conversations sorted by most recent activity
• New messages bring conversation to top

Unread Messages

• Unread conversations show a dot
• Count shown in navigation badge
• Click to mark as read

Notifications

New message notifications appear via:

• Bell icon in sidebar (desktop) or header (mobile)
• Unread count badge on Messages in sidebar

Messaging Best Practices

Response Times

Good Messaging Etiquette

Do:

Don't:

Effective Messages

Good first message:

Hi [Name]!

I noticed you're building in the developer tools space—
I'm working on something similar. Would love to hear
about your journey and maybe share notes.

What's been your biggest challenge so far?

Following up:

Hey! Just wanted to follow up on our chat last week.
Did you end up trying that approach we discussed?

Also, I found this resource that might help: [link]

When to Use DMs

Privacy & Safety

Your Messages Are Private

• Only you and the recipient can see messages
• Messages are stored securely
• No public visibility

Staying Safe

Be cautious of:

• Requests for personal information
• Financial requests or investments
• Links from unknown sources
• Pressure to take action quickly

If concerned:

• Stop responding
• Report if necessary
• Block if available

Tips for Makers

Building Relationships Through DMs

Collaboration Via DMs

For working together:

1. Establish shared goals
2. Define communication frequency
3. Be responsive and reliable
4. Move to other tools if needed (video calls, etc.)
5. Keep each other updated on progress

Troubleshooting

Messages Not Sending

Not Seeing New Messages

Can't Message Someone

Next Steps

• Subscription & Billing — Upgrade your account