How to Use Tellspin in Private Slack Channels

Can Tellspin Work in Private Channels?

Yes, Tellspin is fully functional in private Slack channels. You can use it to post on-call reminders or use channel-based contact methods for schedules that are confidential or relevant only to a specific group of people.

For Tellspin to see and interact with a private channel, you must first invite it to the channel.

Step 1: Invite the Tellspin Bot

Before you can select a private channel in any Tellspin setting, you need to add the bot as a member.

1. Open the private Slack channel you want to use.

2. In the message box, type /invite @Tellspin.

3. Press Enter to send the command.

   

4. Slack will post a message confirming that you have added Tellspin to the channel.

Step 2: Configure Reminders for the Private Channel

Once Tellspin is a member of the private channel, it will appear in the channel selection dropdown when you create or edit a reminder.

1. Go to the Tellspin App Home.

2. Find the schedule and click the three-dot menu (...) to Add Reminder or Edit an existing one.

3. In the reminder settings, when you click the Channel dropdown, your private channel will now be visible in the list.

   

4. Select the private channel and save your reminder.

Troubleshooting Visibility Issues

If you've invited the bot but the private channel still doesn't appear in the dropdown, try refreshing the Tellspin App Home by clicking the Refresh button at the top right. This forces Tellspin to reload the list of channels it has access to.

Security and Privacy

Inviting Tellspin to a private channel grants it the ability to post messages and see basic channel information, in accordance with the permissions you approved during installation. Tellspin does not read the content of your messages in the channel.