Messages

Getting Started with Messages

Accessing Your Inbox

Three Ways to Start Messaging:

1. Direct from Profile - Click "Message" on any user's profile
2. From Bookings - Message tutors/clients about sessions
3. From Network - Chat with your connections

Your Inbox Shows:

• All active conversations
• Unread message count
• Last message preview
• Online status indicators
• Conversation search

Starting a Conversation

Who You Can Message:

• Your network connections
• Tutors you've booked or who booked you
• Members of your organisation
• People who messaged you first

To Start a Chat:

1. Go to their profile or connection page
2. Click "Message" button
3. Type your message
4. Click Send or press Enter

Using the Messaging Interface

Message Features

Real-Time Chat:

• Instant message delivery
• Typing indicators
• Read receipts (seen/delivered)
• Online/offline status
• Message timestamps

Rich Content:

• Text formatting (bold, italic, links)
• Emoji support
• File attachments (PDF, images, docs)
• Voice messages (future)
• Video call integration (future)

Conversation Tools:

• Search messages
• Pin important conversations
• Mute notifications
• Archive old chats
• Delete conversations

Professional Communication Etiquette

Best Practices: ✅ Respond within 24 hours ✅ Be professional and respectful ✅ Keep conversations on-topic ✅ Use proper grammar and spelling ✅ Respect working hours

Avoid: ❌ Spam or promotional messages ❌ Inappropriate content ❌ Harassment or abuse ❌ Sharing personal contact info (use platform) ❌ Soliciting off-platform transactions

Message Notifications

Email & Push Notifications

When You'll Be Notified:

• New message received
• Unread messages after 1 hour
• Important booking updates
• Session reminders via chat

Notification Settings:

1. Go to Account → Notifications
2. Choose preferences:
   • Email notifications (on/off)
   • Push notifications (mobile app)
   • Desktop notifications (browser)
   • Quiet hours (mute times)

Muting Conversations:

• Click "..." in conversation
• Select "Mute"
• Choose duration (1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours, forever)
• Stop receiving notifications

File Sharing

Supported File Types:

• Documents (PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT)
• Images (JPG, PNG, GIF)
• Spreadsheets (XLS, XLSX, CSV)
• Presentations (PPT, PPTX)

File Size Limits:

• Maximum 10 MB per file
• Up to 5 files per message
• Total 50 MB per conversation

Sharing Files:

1. Click attachment icon in message box
2. Select file from computer
3. Add optional message
4. Click Send

Security:

• All files scanned for malware
• Encrypted in transit and at rest
• Automatic deletion after 90 days
• Download tracking for accountability

Managing Conversations

Organizing Your Inbox

Sort Conversations:

• Recent (default)
• Unread first
• Pinned at top
• By contact name

Search Messages:

• Search across all conversations
• Filter by contact name
• Find specific keywords
• Date range filtering

Pinning Important Chats:

• Click "..." on conversation
• Select "Pin to Top"
• Stays at top of inbox
• Quick access to key contacts

Archiving & Deleting

Archive Conversations:

• Hide from main inbox (doesn't delete)
• Access via "Archived" folder
• New messages unarchive automatically
• Keeps history intact

Delete Conversations:

• Permanently removes chat
• Cannot be recovered
• Only deletes for you (not recipient)
• Confirmation required

Privacy & Safety

Blocking Users

When to Block:

• Harassment or inappropriate behavior
• Spam messages
• Unwanted contact
• Making you uncomfortable

What Blocking Does:

• Prevents them from messaging you
• Hides their messages
• Removes from your contact list
• They won't be notified

How to Block:

1. Open conversation with user
2. Click "..." menu
3. Select "Block User"
4. Confirm block

Reporting Abuse

Report if Someone:

• Sends harassing messages
• Shares inappropriate content
• Violates terms of service
• Requests off-platform payment
• Threatens or intimidates

How to Report:

1. Open the conversation
2. Click "..." menu
3. Select "Report Conversation"
4. Choose violation type
5. Provide details
6. Submit report

Our Response:

• Review within 24 hours
• Investigate all reports
• Take appropriate action
• Protect reporter identity
• Follow up with outcome

Messaging for Bookings

Session Coordination

Use Messages For:

• Confirming session details
• Sharing location/meeting link
• Sending preparation materials
• Rescheduling requests
• Post-session follow-up

Session-Related Templates:

• "Looking forward to our session!"
• "Here's the Zoom link: ..."
• "Could we reschedule to...?"
• "Thanks for a great session!"

Booking Integration:

• Messages linked to booking
• Session details in chat
• Quick actions (reschedule, cancel)
• Automatic session reminders

Professional Boundaries

Keep It Professional:

• Focus on tutoring/learning
• Respect personal boundaries
• Use platform messaging only
• Maintain professional tone
• Document important agreements

Troubleshooting

Q: Why can't I message someone? A: You can only message:

• Your network connections
• People you've had bookings with
• Organisation members
• People who messaged you first

Q: My messages aren't sending. Why? A: Check:

• Internet connection
• Browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari recommended)
• Message isn't too long (5,000 character limit)
• File size under 10 MB

Q: Can I delete a sent message? A: Not currently. Messages are permanent once sent. Double-check before sending!

Q: How do I know if someone read my message? A: Look for read receipts:

• Single checkmark: Delivered
• Double checkmark: Read
• Gray: Not delivered yet

Q: Can I message multiple people at once (group chat)? A: Not currently. Group messaging is coming soon! For now, use organisation features for team communication.

Q: Are my messages private? A: Yes, end-to-end encrypted. Only you and the recipient can read them. Tutorwise staff only access messages for reported violations.

Quick Links

• Messages Inbox — View and send messages
• Network — Connect to message new people
• Bookings — Coordinate sessions
• Account Settings — Manage notification preferences

Ready to connect? Start messaging your connections today!