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Building connections with other members Finding events and activities Buddy match program for new members Navigating Mus Following community guidelines

Communication & Interaction

Using text and voice chat rooms Direct messaging other members

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Using text and voice chat rooms

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Learn how to navigate and make the most of Zakaya's text and voice chat features. This guide covers everything from joining channels and creating threads to voice room controls and community etiquette.

Using Text and Voice Chat Rooms

Overview

Zakaya's chat rooms are the heart of our community experience, designed to help you connect with others in ways that feel natural and engaging. Whether you prefer typing your thoughts or jumping into live conversations, our platform offers flexible communication options to suit your style and needs.

Text Chat Features

Joining a Text Channel

To join a text chat:

  1. Navigate to the community sidebar on the left of your screen
  2. Browse available channels (they're organized by category)
  3. Click on any channel name to enter
  4. Start reading messages and join the conversation

Pro tip: Channels with a # symbol are text channels, while those with a 🔊 icon are voice rooms.

Creating and Responding to Threads

Threads help keep conversations organized within busy channels:

  • To start a thread: Hover over any message, click the reply icon (speech bubble)
  • To view existing threads: Look for messages with a small number beside them indicating replies
  • To follow a thread: Click the bell icon within the thread to receive notifications for new responses

Threads are perfect for side conversations that might otherwise clutter the main channel.

Message Formatting

Make your messages stand out with simple formatting:

  • *italic* renders as italic
  • **bold** renders as bold
  • ~~strikethrough~~ renders as ~~strikethrough~~
  • `code` renders as code
  • Start a line with > for a quote block

Sharing Media and Links

Enrich your conversations by sharing:

  • Images/videos: Click the + button in the message box or drag and drop files
  • Links: Paste a URL directly into your message to create a preview card
  • Emojis: Click the smiley face icon or type : followed by the emoji name

Voice Chat Features

Joining a Voice Room

Voice rooms let you have real-time conversations:

  1. Look for channels with the 🔊 icon in the sidebar
  2. Click to join instantly (no call connecting required)
  3. You'll appear in the participant list at the bottom of the room

Voice Controls

Once you're in a voice room, you have several controls:

  • Mute/unmute: Click the microphone icon to toggle your audio
  • Deafen: Click the headphone icon to temporarily mute all incoming audio
  • Video toggle: Click the camera icon to turn your video feed on/off
  • Screen share: Click the monitor icon to share your screen
  • Leave: Click the disconnect icon (or press ESC) to exit the room

Voice Room Statuses

Understand what others are doing in voice rooms:

  • Green outline: Currently speaking
  • Microphone with line: Muted
  • Headphones with line: Deafened (can't hear others)
  • Screen icon: Currently sharing their screen

Community Etiquette

General Guidelines

  • Stay on topic: Use channels for their intended purpose
  • Be respectful: Remember there are real people behind the screens
  • Mind the activity level: Consider using threads in busy channels
  • Avoid message spam: Don't send multiple short messages when one would do

Voice Room Courtesy

  • Manage background noise: Use push-to-talk (press and hold Space) in noisy environments
  • Signal when AFK: Mute yourself when stepping away
  • Avoid interrupting: Watch for visual cues that someone is speaking
  • Use text chat alongside: For sharing links or when voice isn't practical

Troubleshooting

Text Chat Issues

  • Messages not sending: Check your internet connection
  • Missing notifications: Verify your notification settings in User Settings > Notifications
  • Can't see a channel: You might need specific permissions—reach out to a community moderator

Voice Chat Issues

  • Others can't hear you: Check if you're muted or if the correct microphone is selected in User Settings > Voice
  • You can't hear others: Make sure you're not deafened and your output device is correct
  • Echo or feedback: Try using headphones instead of speakers
  • Voice cutting out: This usually indicates bandwidth issues—try closing other applications using your network

Advanced Tips

  • Keyboard shortcuts: Press Ctrl+/ (Cmd+/ on Mac) to see all available shortcuts
  • Mark as read: Shift+ESC quickly marks all channels as read
  • Jump to unread: Alt+Shift+Up/Down to navigate between unread messages
  • Quick reactions: Right-click a message to add reactions without using the emoji picker

Remember that Zakaya's communities thrive on active participation. Don't be shy about jumping into conversations—that's how meaningful connections form!

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