# Private Messages, Ignores & Emotes

<p class="callout info"><strong>✉ DIRECT CONVERSATIONS</strong><br>Use direct messages when a conversation does not need to fill public chat. Server rules still apply.</p>

## Send a private message

The standard command is:

```text
/msg PlayerName Your message here
```

The aliases `/tell`, `/pm`, and `/w` work the same way.

You can also type a Twitter-style private message directly into chat:

```text
@PlayerName Your message here
```

The `@` must be immediately followed by the player's name.

## Reply quickly

Use `/r` to reply to your current private-message conversation:

```text
/r Sounds good!
```

`/reply` is the longer version of the same command. Always check the displayed recipient before sharing anything sensitive, particularly when several people are messaging you.

## Ignore a player

Toggle messages from a specific player with:

```text
/ignore PlayerName
```

Run the same command again to stop ignoring them. Ignoring affects what you receive through Herochat; it does not replace reporting harassment or threats to staff.

## Disable all private messages

Toggle all incoming private messages with:

```text
/ignorepm
```

Herochat reminds you when this setting is enabled. Run `/ignorepm` again when you want to receive private messages.

## Emotes

Trusted players can describe an action in their current channel with `/me`:

```text
/me waves from the watchtower
```

The emote has the same audience as ordinary chat in that channel. A Local emote remains local; a Global emote is server-wide.

## Useful chat help

```text
/ch help
/ch list
/ch info
```

- `/ch help` lists Herochat commands available to you.
- `/ch list` lists channels you can access.
- `/ch info` describes your active channel.

<p class="callout warning"><strong>Private does not mean exempt:</strong> Harassment, spam, scams and prohibited content are still against the rules. Use the reporting process when staff need to investigate.</p>