[Neos] [TEAM] Slack for November sprint

[Jigal van Hemert]

Hi,

On 31/10/2014 13:59, Jacob Floyd wrote:
> For the record, I am opposed to using Slack. I use it when I have to, but
> (A) it's not tied with typo3.org accounts, (B) everything gets "archived"
> all the time, so good luck finding an old conversation, and (C) there are
> other open source options like IRC, or our ML/Forum/Newsgroup.

For TYPO3 CMS we're using Slack for some time for group IM purposes. 
There are some advantages and disadvantages over IRC:

Pros
- Real names visible (I really have no idea who is behind obi12341, 
Wrack_0019, sfr^ (a few real nicks from #typo3 IRC channel)
- history available for when you pick up a conversation later on (on the 
free plan there is currently a limit of 10,000 posts; it is not meant 
for permanent discussions/decisions which really need to be done in 
mailing lists)
- works across platforms (notifications on mobile when not logged in on 
web interface)
- channels inside a team, currently used for various areas of interest
- easy possibility to create bots (there is one created to get info from 
gerrit and forge); several plugins available e.g. for displaying 
problems from CI tools
- no irritating "<userx> has left freenode (Remote host closed the 
connection)"
- no extra software needed (runs in browser) like IRC clients

Cons
- no connection with t3o user base; invite only
- limited history
- yet another site to register with and open
- no public access to discussions

At first we weren't convinced about using slack, but during a 
contributors meeting we decided to give it a try. We moved from a Skype 
group (which was spontaneously formed over time) to Slack. So far it 
isn't very bad; it's actually quite nice.
As said, it shouldn't be used for important discussions and decisions, 
but for discussions about a bug/issue, preparing mailing list 
discussions and other things that shouldn't be kept over time it's a 
useful tool.
At codesprints a lot of discussions also take place which are not public 
(not because they are secret, but simply because they take place between 
people in the same room). If you look at it as a remote version of those 
discussions the tool is useful.

Just give it a try. If it doesn't work out the team can simply be 
removed and another tool can be tested.

-- 
Jigal van Hemert
TYPO3 CMS Active Contributor

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