Acknowledging Messages
You can acknowledge messages in two ways:
1. Text reply — e.g., “Understood,” “I’ll take care of it,” or “Thanks, that fixed the issue.”
2. Emoji reaction — e.g., 👍 or ✔️.
Emoji reactions are preferred when you don’t want to interrupt someone with a notification.
Use emojis when you simply want to confirm you’ve seen a message without requiring the other person’s immediate attention.
Use text replies when clarity is needed or when the sender is expecting confirmation (e.g., verifying a fix or responding to a question).
iPing (Interrupt Ping)
We use “iPing” to describe any Slack message that triggers a notification (e.g., @John, @here, @channel, or a DM).
An iPing is an interruption, so use it only when immediate attention is necessary.
Avoid unnecessary iPings—especially during off-hours—as they can cause missed or overlooked messages.
Alternative:
Post in the channel without tagging. For example:
John: “Please ping me when you’re available.”
This lets John respond when he’s free without an interruption.
When to Use iPing
Use iPing only when urgency or immediate attention is required, such as:
Coordinating real-time calls (“I am available now” / “I’ll be free at 9 PM”).
When you are blocked and need help to proceed.
Important announcements requiring everyone’s quick action (e.g., @channel for a critical bug fix that needs immediate rebasing).
Always be clear about timing—avoid vague responses like “Sure”; specify when you are available.