Saying to Slack someone is nearly as canonized as the verbs to Google or to WhatsApp.
You cant escape it.
Part of the reason why Slack is everywhere is because its just good.
I like it a lot.
Theres undoubtedly a correct way to use Slack as it was intended.
But theres also a wrong way and its really fun.
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Disclaimer:Many of these are more powerful with admin access.
We in TNWs editorial team change our own Slack handles as quickly and freely as the wind changes.
Click Edit Profile, and you’ve got the option to edit your display name from here.
But why on earth would we want to do this, you may ask?
For example, you’re able to use this method to send coded messages.
A little while back, I changed my Slack handle to @fuck you.
OK, I guess its not really that coded.
But its funny and offensive to sensitive people, which is the main point.
After I changed mine, my coworker changed his to @no fuck you.
The fun ended when I got reprimanded after messaging an external sales partner.
They did not find @fuck you amusing.
BonusDo you have admin access?
You have the power to change everyones Slack handles, not only your own.
His admin access was taken away.
If you didnt, you might be an idiot.
Im not trying to insult you, Im trying to make you self-aware.
This is also a great way to avoid people.
A bit offensive to those of us who live in a cave, but whatever.
Getting smashed on a beach somewhere?
Personally, I like to leave my status ambiguous.
I often indicate I am working remotely, despite being in the office.
I wont and @fuck you.
It turns out, democracy doesnt exist on Slack.
you’re able to kick @ out of a private channel for whatever reason you choose.
And they cant get back in without an invite.Thisis what power feels like.
Id consider decapitating the other admins IRL instead.
Keep in mind, this is high-stakes.
If abused too often, you will likely face revolt and get your admin access taken away.
Theres nothing like forcing someone to be somewhere they dont want to be, even digitally.
This is what you gotta pay attention to.
At TNW, we have a slack channel called #congratulations.
Its mainly used for birthday announcements, which at a company this large, feels like every day.
In fact, he even keeps his own birthday a secret so we cant celebrate him.
Like that would stop us.
We tagged him in the #celebration channel, forcing him to join.
He then left the channel, and wed tag him again.
It was like a fun game!
#6: Send a notification anyway
This is a classic.
On Slack, you could set your notifications to snooze.
The emergency is fun, so you might be damn sure were clicking that option.
Now, if you actually like this coworker, maybe its not the best idea… nah fuck it.
Go for it anyway.
Colleagueship means they have to love you unconditionally.
#7: Screenshot messages and use them as blackmail
This is a particular favorite of ours.
Were all a bit odd, and say odd things.
Unfortunately, Slack allows you to delete your messages… but not on our watch!
Weve built up our cat-like reflexes to grab those sound bites before deletion.
#8: Clog up public channels with gross eyeball GIFs
This one is pretty self-explanatory.
Create a private channel that excludes just one person in the team.
Cultivate a sense of humor if you dont have one.
Send all of your best jokes to that channel.
The rest will work itself out.
Choose one person to kick out each month.
Listen, were not bullies, this is how webond.
Consider this guide a gift.
Go forth, you Slackholes!
