How To Slack

New Members Start Here to Get Started With Slack!

What is Slack and why does PPM use it?

Slack is a messaging program used to communicate with all members associated with an organization. Pikes Peak Makerspace uses Slack to communicate with its members about general announcements and news, up-coming events, jobs for bid on our job-board, showcase the amazing things that get made in our space, and so much more! Slack is the official communication solution for the makerspace so if you’re not apart of it, you’re missing out!

How do I get access to Slack?

After you register and set up payment for your membership (through Join It, our membership management software), you will automatically receive an invite, via email, to the makerspace’s Slack workspace. So check your email! It may be possible that the invite landed in your spam box.

Should I introduce myself on Slack?

That’s a great question and you absolutely should! In fact, we have an automated workflow in place that will make introducing yourself super easy and fun! :)

What resources are on Slack that can help me as a new member?

There is a #new-members channel that is dedicated for new members. It has great resources on where to start and how we operate.

Channel Rules, Names and Descriptions

Channel Rules

As a new member, you automatically get joined onto the #general, #random, #showcase, #red-tags-issues, #new-members, #job-board, and #events channels. However, there are other public channels that you can join. We don’t assume that you are interested in every machine or equipment we offer, so you can pick which channels you’d like to be apart of.

Please be mindful of which channel you ask a question in or a post in general. We try to keep the discussions based on the descriptions given for the channel. The following is a list of all our public channels. Your post or question should fall into one of the channels below, however, when in doubt, #general channel is the channel for general conversation.

If you need to speak with a director or captain directly, you can send them a direct message on Slack. Some are comfortable with being texted directly or personal email. However, please ask first. Slack is always a safe first option if not an emergency.


Channel Names and Descriptions

Public Channels

1. #events: to plan and organize events and communicate with volunteers regarding event details.
2. #job-board: channel to post, discuss, or accept job opportunities either within PPM or from the community
3. #random: non-work banter and water cooler conversation (remove? no one uses it as intended….)
4. #red-tags-issues: channel to announce and discuss repair for equipment and tools that have been red tagged or announce other issues
5. #showcase: channel to showcase your work and receive well deserved praise from your peers!
6. #general: community-wide announcements and makerspace based matters
7. #new-members: channel to answer questions from new ppm members

Workshop Areas

1. #3d-printing: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for 3D printing machines
2. #cnc-machine: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for the cnc machine
3. #electronics: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for electronics
4. #fusion-360: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for Fusion 360
5. #large-format-printer: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for the large format printer
6. #laser-cutter: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for the BOSS & Zing laser cutters
7. #metal-shop: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for the metal shop
8. #vinyl-cutter: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for the vinyl cutter (remove; add to another channel? no discussions at all…)
9. #wood-shop: channel to discuss topics of or ask support for the wood shop

Basic Slack Functions

How do you...

...mention someone or mention everyone in a channel?

@ symbol, how to dm someone, how to create a post, like with an emoji. etc.

...join a channel

As a member you can see and join all public channels for this workspace. Feel free to search through the public channels listed on the left side navigation bar and choose to join which channels you want! Need more guidance? Here is a link on how to join a channel.

...mute or leave a channel

Getting too many notifications? Here is a link on how to mute channel notifications. Not interested in being in a channel anymore? Here is a link on how to leave a channel.