Private Messaging

Private Messaging, a feature that allows Habitica players to send private messages to one another, was released on November 25, 2014.

Sending a Message
To send a private message (often abbreviated "PM"), access the other player's profile, then click on the envelope icon at the bottom left-hand corner (the other icon is a block button; see below for more information on blocking).

A popup will open in which you can type in your message. When you finish typing your message, you can click on the "Send" button to send the message. If you decide not to send the message, you can click "Cancel."

When your message has been sent to the other user, you will receive a "Message sent" notification in the upper right hand corner of your screen.

As in other text input options in the Habitica website, PMs support markdown. Unlike guild, party, or tavern chat though, line breaks can be added simply by pressing the Enter key.

Blocking a User
You can click the Block button (next to the envelope icon; see above) if you want to block a specific user. They will not be able to send messages to you, and you will not be able to send messages to them.

If you have blocked a user, the icon will turn into a +. You then have the option to un-block them by clicking the button again.

Receiving a Message
When you receive a new message, a number will appear on the Social tab. The number indicates the number of new messages that you have received since you have last checked your inbox. You can read those messages by clicking on the Inbox button under the Social tab.

Once you have read the message, you can delete it by clicking on the trash can icon or send a reply by clicking on the curved arrow.

If the message violates the Community Guidelines, you can click the flag to report the message. This is the same flagging mechanism used for Chat.

You can also copy the message as a To-Do. You can find more information about this feature in Chat.

Opting Out and Clearing Inbox
If you don't want to receive any messages, check the Opt Out option near the top of your inbox. If you change your mind, you can simply check the box again to opt back in.

The red "Delete All Messages" button will delete all messages.

Private Messages are Not for Support
The private messaging system is not the most effective way to seek help or support for Habitica. Please do not send a private message to any user, including moderators and staff, to specifically ask for assistance, unless, of course, you are messaging a friend for help and you know they won't mind.

There are several disadvantages to asking for replies by PM:
 * It adds an extra step for the person assisting you. Please respect their time.
 * It prevents other players who might have the same problem you are having from seeing the reply. One of the benefits of the Newbies guild is that information can be easily shared with many players over several days.
 * It prevents all the people who can help you from knowing that you have already been helped. Because the reply to you will not be visible, no one will know that you have already been sent a reply. Many people might reply to you separately, which means you have dramatically increased the time and effort required to support you. You will also have increased your own time needed because you will need to send thank-you messages to many people.

There are better methods for investigating problems and providing help than private messaging. If you require support, please use one of the following options.
 * Ask questions in the Tavern.
 * Ask questions in the Newbies guild, which has less traffic than the Tavern, so questions and answers will stay visible for longer (usually several days).
 * Report bugs on GitHub via the website's Help -> Report a Bug menu, which will direct you to a page that will explain how to report an issue on GitHub.
 * If you are being bullied, harrassed, or have a private/sensitive matter to discuss, you can email Lemoness at [mailto:leslie@habitrpg.com leslie@habitrpg.com]. Keep in mind that Lemoness has many demands on her time, and so if you require general support, it would be best to use one of the other options outlined above.

If you do ask for help in the Tavern or the Newbies guild, please do not ask for replies by private message; replies will be given in the same place that you posted the question.