=== About Slack ===
Slack is a real-time messaging service RAPLab members use to communicate about projects and other topics. Users can communicate directly with each other, or create channels for various projects where multiple members can contribute. It is also a good place to send other users relatively small data files, images, and code snippets.

The website is https://slack.com/

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=== To start using Slack: ===
'''Step 1: Get invited to the UNL RAP Lab team (unlraplab)'''

 . The easiest way is to give Matt or the lab manager the email you'd like to use with Slack and he'll send you an invite through that email.

'''Step 2: Click the button'''

 . The email has a button in it that says "Join Now". Click that button.

'''Step 3: Follow whatever prompts it gives you.'''

 . This will include downloading a desktop/mobile/browser app, making your account using your email, creating username/password... you know the drill.

'''Step 4: Join channels and/or send direct messages'''

 . You are automatically included in the group chat ("channel") labelled #general. You can join more by pressing the little plus button to the right of the "Channels" header. There's a little plus button to the left of the "Direct Messages" header if you want to send a direct message to someone(s).

'''Step 5: Spread Slack to whatever devices you like'''

 . You can use Slack through a browser by going to unlraplab.slack.com, or download the app to your desktop/smartphone/tablet. Connect using unlraplab, your email, and the password you created.

'''Step 6: Giphy'''

 . We send a lot of gifs. Like, a lot. Giphy, if you've never used it, is a tool many messaging systems use to help people send ridiculous gifs to each other.<<BR>>
  * To use in Slack, type /giphy at the start of your message, follow with a search term/phrase, and hit "send". (e.g.: /giphy bananas) 
  * This will '''NOT''' instantly send a gif! It pulls up a possible gif and gives you the option to send, shuffle, or cancel. 
  * "Shuffle", of course, is code for "this is not what I was meant when I typed bananas good grief I did not need to see that."