#Collaboration tool

[laxmankodadala]

Best Communication Platforms to Enhance Collaboration for Businesses

As a business messaging, work chat, and instant messaging solution for both office and remote work, Troop Messenger is regarded as one of the greatest team communication platforms.

[filehulk]

Draw.io for Windows

Draw.io is a powerful and intuitive diagramming tool designed to help professionals, students, and hobbyists create a variety of diagrams with ease. Whether you’re preparing detailed workflows, creating flowcharts, or developing organizational charts, this free software caters to all your needs. Its simple and user-friendly interface, combined with robust features, makes it a standout choice for…

[michelpaul]

The Best Alternative to Slack and Other Collaboration Tools

While Slack is a popular choice, many businesses are exploring alternatives that provide more robust security, flexibility, and value for money. Troop Messenger stands out as an excellent alternative to Slack and other collaboration tools, offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored for modern team communication.

Why Choose Troop Messenger Over Slack?

Slack may dominate the market, but Troop Messenger excels in critical areas that make it a superior choice for businesses prioritizing security, customization, and user-friendly interfaces. Here are a few reasons why Troop Messenger is better than Slack:

Enhanced Security Features: Troop Messenger prioritizes data security with features like end-to-end encryption, self-hosting options, and secure APIs. This makes it an ideal solution for industries like BFSI, defense, and government organizations where data privacy is paramount.

Customizable Solutions: Unlike Slack, Troop Messenger offers customizable app development to meet specific organizational needs. Whether you require unique workflows or industry-specific integrations, Troop Messenger adapts to your requirements.

Cost-Effective Plans: Troop Messenger provides feature-rich plans at competitive prices, offering better value for businesses of all sizes. The cost-effectiveness is especially beneficial for startups and NGOs with tight budgets.

Seamless Collaboration: Troop Messenger combines chat, video calls, file sharing, and screen sharing in a single platform. This eliminates the need for multiple tools and enhances team productivity.

Key Features That Make Troop Messenger Stand Out

Troop Messenger is not just a Slack alternative—it’s a superior collaboration tool packed with features designed to simplify communication and boost teamwork. Let’s explore its standout features:

Multiple Deployment Options: Troop Messenger offers SaaS and on-premise solutions, allowing businesses to choose a deployment model that aligns with their security and operational needs.

Robust APIs: With hosted and on-premise APIs, Troop Messenger enables seamless integrations with third-party apps, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.

Burnout Window: This unique feature allows users to send confidential messages that disappear after a set time, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.

Advanced File Sharing: Troop Messenger supports large file sharing, making it easier for teams to exchange essential documents, videos, and images without size constraints.

Group Collaboration Tools: From private and group chats to voice and video calls, Troop Messenger ensures smooth communication within and across teams.

Audit Logs and Admin Controls: Admins can monitor and manage team activities with detailed audit logs, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Open Source Slack Alternatives vs. Troop Messenger

While open-source Slack alternatives like Rocket.Chat and Mattermost are gaining traction, they often require significant technical expertise for setup and maintenance. Troop Messenger bridges this gap by offering user-friendly interfaces alongside customizable, secure solutions. Its blend of simplicity and advanced features caters to businesses that want hassle-free implementation without compromising on functionality.

Who Benefits Most from Troop Messenger?

Troop Messenger caters to a wide range of industries and organizations, including:

Defense and Government Agencies: The on-premise deployment and secure communication features ensure data integrity and compliance.

Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Affordable plans and scalable features make Troop Messenger a perfect fit for growing businesses.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Collaboration tools like file sharing and group chats enhance team efficiency without straining budgets.

Corporate Enterprises: Custom app development and API integrations help large organizations streamline their workflows.

Troop Messenger: Better Than Slack

If you’re searching for a collaboration tool that offers better security, flexibility, and cost-efficiency than Slack, Troop Messenger is the answer. With its feature-packed platform, user-friendly design, and commitment to data privacy, Troop Messenger stands as one of the best Slack alternatives on the market today.

Conclusion

While Slack remains a popular choice, Troop Messenger’s exceptional features and focus on security make it a standout competitor. Whether you’re a startup, a government organization, or a large corporation, Troop Messenger delivers everything you need for secure, efficient, and seamless collaboration. Say goodbye to limitations and experience the ultimate communication platform with Troop Messenger—the best alternative to Slack and other tools on the market.

[ellipsus-writes]

Back when we started Ellipsus (it's been eighty-four years… or two, but it sure feels like forever), we encountered generative AI.

Immediately, we realized LLMs were the antithesis of creativity and community, and the threat they posed to genuine artistic expression and collaboration. (P.S.: we have a lot to say about it.)

Since then, writing tools—from big tech entities like Google Docs and Microsoft Word, to a host of smaller platforms and publishers—have rapidly integrated LLMs, looking to capitalize on the novelty of generative AI. Now, our tools are failing us, corrupted by data-scraping and hostile to users' consent and IP ownership.

The future of creative work requires a nuanced understanding of the challenges ahead, and a shared vision—writers for writers. We know we're stronger together. And in a rapidly changing world, we know that transparency is paramount.

So… some Ellipsus facts:

We will never include generative AI in Ellipsus.

We will never access your work without explicit consent, sell your data, or use your work for exploitative purposes.

We believe in the strength of creative communities and the stories they tell—and we want to foster a space in which writers can connect and tell their stories in freedom and safety—without compromise.

[gatewayofhealing92]

Money Coach: An Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance Management

Discover the ultimate productivity companion with our innovative digital task management app. Seamlessly organize your to-dos, set priorities, and collaborate effortlessly with team members. With intuitive features and customizable settings, stay focused and achieve your goals with ease. Try our app today and revolutionize the way you work!

[ladyyomiart]

I'm among the artists taking part in the Library Project hosted by Charity-Guild | Tommy's Puppet Lab 📚✏️ (There's time to join until June 16th!).

I put a lot of effort into my entry not only because Agumon and Bulbasaur are two of my favorite Digimon/Pokemon ever, but because (if we reach 100 submissions) Tommy will build the very first "Little Free Library" in his neighborhood! 📕💕 (Additional submissions will count toward a charitable donation to the public library!).

I decided to draw a librarian Bulbasaur using his plant-arms to help an Agumon student to reach some food-themed books from a very tall library! 🤭😂 Agumon is a huge food junkie, haha, so I figured those would be his favorite books to read!

[thejakeformerlyknownasprince]

Hi, here's an easy question for you that I can't find online for some reason. How exactly was Alloran enslaved? Every wiki article seems to gloss over this and it's been far too long since I've read the books to remember.

Also, what's your take on it? I remember always feeling vaguely disappointed because I couldn't figure how a yeerk would overpower an andalite, but do you think it works within the narrative, or is it just kind of a plot device to create The Abomination?

Compared to how things go down with Alloran, I think Aldrea's dramatic capture in Hork-Bajir Chronicles is way cooler. Esplin 9466 being ecstatic about finally being inside an andalite mind, only to have his abandoned host body attack him and rescue Aldrea, is one of my favorite scenes in the series.

But yeah, how it happens with Alloran (Andalite Chronicles p. 174 - 180) is deliberately obscured. Elfangor brings Esplin 9466 onboard the Jahar as a hostage, inside a hork-bajir. He gets distracted driving the ship, but returns to that hork-bajir to toss him out the door. Alloran tells Elfangor to flush the Pool ship, killing 1000s of defenseless yeerks. Elfangor refuses. They argue. They're interrupted "Chapman" punching Alloran and knocking him over/out. Elfangor thanks Chapman and starts to fly the Jahar back to get the Time Matrix, only to be shot at by "Loren."

At that point Elfangor realizes Chapman, Loren, and Alloran are all controllers — Chapman put yeerks in his own and Loren's heads as part of his bargain, and Esplin 9644 escaped his hork-bajir host, into the body that "Chapman" conveniently placed ear-down on the ground for him. Elfangor realizes he can't win against three controllers. He dumps Alloran/Esplin on the planet and flies off with the two humans locked in a back room to starve out their yeerks.

[unsolicitedadvicecatlady]

Negotiating with a terrorist

Some time ago I was involved in a hostage negotiation. The negotiation lasted 218 days before we reached a successful outcome. That was one of the hardest 7 months of my life. I got a lot of grey hairs, and I learned a little about human behavior. Now that there's been some distance between those events and the present, I'd like to share some of what I learned.

Growing up, I remember hearing "we don't negotiate with terrorists." Unfortunately, it's something I had to learn how to do. I'm not an expert, by far. There are people out there with a lot more experience in these types of high-stakes negotiations, however, this is some of the information that I used to get to an acceptable resolution, and this blog is an outlet that I use to share my unsolicited advice.

First, you have to stop thinking "it's us vs. them." You have to change your mindset into thinking about this as a collaborative effort. They're not the enemy, they are your counterpart. You're spinning in different directions, but you still need to work together with them here.

Next, take your best guess at your counterpart's perspective. Are they spouting a bunch of bullshit about how they're the real victim here? How life owes them? How somebody owes them? Get into their shoes to get into their head. It's not that you're buying their rhetoric, but you want them to think that you're looking out for their best interests, otherwise, they're not going to listen to a word you have to say.

Build rapport with them. Repeat back to them the last few words of what they just said, using an upwards inflection to indicate benign curiosity, or a downwards inflection to indicate they can elaborate because they haven't sold you on this idea, yet. The "yet" is the operative word. Give them the sense that you're really listening to understand, not to respond.

Use phrases like: "it sounds like," "it looks like," "it feels like," and reassure them that you are listening to what they're saying. For example, "it sounds like you're pretty tired of not being heard. Tell me, what's really going on?" or "it looks like you want to be taken seriously here. You've got my attention." or "it feels like you're in a really tough spot here. What do you need right now?"

You're not saying this because you're such a nice person, you are, but you're talking to a sociopath, you've gotta do a little acting. A lot of acting. You want to use your friendly, upbeat voice, like you're talking to a good buddy. That slows their brainwaves down and makes them feel safe. If you want to speed their brainwaves up and knock them off balance, talk fast and aggressively. If you want them to cool back off then use a slow cadence, deep tone, nice and easy, real slow.

Express a real interest in their point of view. Get them talking about all the absolute trash propaganda and their own narrative. Ramp up their sense of safety by respectfully acknowledging their emotions behind what they're saying. Paraphrase a little, let them know you're really here to listen to them. If they're holding back, prime them by guessing at what they're thinking and feeling. Learn to see suffering first.

Agree with them as much as you can. This might sound counterintuitive, but you've got to make them feel like you're really looking out for their best interests, so when they say something that you can agree with, focus on that.

Understand the difference between "You're right" and "That's right." "You're right" means "Shut up, please; I'm going to do what I like anyway." While "That's right" means "I now know that you understand where I'm coming from, and I agree with what you're saying."

Ask "no" oriented questions. People are more comfortable answering a question with "no" than they are with "yes." So, rephrase all of your questions that you want a "yes" to so that the answer you want is "no."

Let your own "no" out gently and only in teaspoonfuls. They're operating with a very self-centered mindset, so when you tell them "No" it's going to be like a slap in the face to them. Instead, ask "How am I supposed to do that?" They might tell you exactly how you're supposed to do that. So, say something like "It sounds like you've really thought this through. I'm sorry. I'm afraid that's just not going to be possible from my end." Compliment their intelligence and be apologetic. This person is an egomaniac, they'll eat that garbage for breakfast.

Get them to a point of cognitive overload by asking a rapid series of "how" and "what" questions. Any more than five and they'll be mentally exhausted. This can cause agitation, so be tactful of when you use this.

When negotiating you can't be so set on what you want that you wouldn't take something even better. Don't fixate on one outcome. Be open to the possibility that your best idea isn't actually the best idea.

One of your crucial objectives here is mutual respect. Don't dis the narcissist. Things will escalate if you start speaking disrespectfully. Use deference, tact, a calm approach, empathy (not sympathy), and let them know you respect them (especially if you hate their guts). Immediately apologize if you've said or done anything to offend them. Remember you're dealing with a totally self-absorbed human here.

Another thing to remember is you must be genuinely respectful. If you're faking it, they will be able to tell instantly. Don't be patronizing or condescending. It's very likely that they have been faking good intentions longer than you have, and they're most likely skilled in manipulation. So, don't even try to sound genuine, actually be genuine. You don't agree with them, you don't like them, but you do respect them.

Another critical objective here is finding a long-term mutually agreeable solution. You can always just shoot them once you get what you need, but don't focus on the short-term. Leave them looking forward to talking with you again. And then you can shoot them.

When you're in a good mood you're more likely to notice important details and make good decisions. The reverse of that is when you're in a bad mood you're more likely to miss important details and make bad decisions. So, do your damnedest to stay in a positive state of mind. Eliminate distractions, walk as much as you can (even just a 20-minute walk can clear your head and help your cognitive processing), eat well, sleep well, keep up with your hygiene and self-care, find the time to unwind and relax when you can. You can't afford to slip up on account of low blood sugar.

When you do get them to commit to something, make them spell out all the details. Ask questions. Lots of questions. Get precise answers, nothing ambiguous is going to go through. When they can visualize the outcome with you down to the smallest details, that is a very strong indicator that they really mean business here.

All of this takes practice. If you get in enough practice with negotiating in safe, low-stakes scenarios, like talking to your partner about dinner plans, or negotiating with a toddler about naptime, this will just start coming naturally to you.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of tools and tactics. I'm probably still traumatized by some of it and have forgotten a lot. I just felt like posting what I could recall while I still have some grey cells speaking to each other.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to negotiate with a terrorist, a narcissist, a sociopath, or just a self-centered asshole, do yourself a service and research, research, research! Read every book you can get your hands on, watch every YouTube video and listen to every podcast on high conflict/high stakes conversations and negotiations, learn about psychology, biopsychosocial rhythms, read every blog, website, white paper, magazine article, and stone tablet you can find about human behavior. Exhaust every avenue and arm yourself to the teeth with knowledge.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.��

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Part II is now available.

[laxmankodadala]

Streamline Your Workflow: Essential Communication Tools for Teams

Troop Messenger

As a business messaging, work chat, and instant messaging solution for both office and remote work, Troop Messenger is regarded as one of the greatest team communication tools.

After learning about Troop Messenger's novel features, which may not be found in currently accessible apps or will likely be included in significant application upgrades in the future, a number of businesses made the decision to use it. The industry was swiftly upended by Troop Messenger.

Troop Messenger's thorough study led to the development of new functions, and the gadget is inexpensive and appropriate for use in any field. NASA and the military can exchange vital information thanks to this safe and secure team texting software

Features

Remote screen sharing and controlling

Join Now, allows the user to join the missed group audio or video call while ongoing

Burnout

Live Location Tracking

Jointly Code

Advanced Search Filters

Forkout

Streamlined Workplace Communication with Troop Messenger

Good team communication is essential in the fast-paced commercial world of today. Troop Messenger is a complete communication solution made to satisfy the changing demands of enterprises, not just a messaging app. Troop Messenger guarantees smooth and effective workplace communication that keeps your team informed, involved, and productive, regardless of the size of your company.

Troop Messenger's user-friendly interface streamlines communication, document sharing, and decision-making so that your team can concentrate on what really important. Because it enables seamless communication between team members from any place, it is an essential tool for modern enterprises.

A Versatile Communication Platform for Every Team

Troop Messenger is a powerful all-in-one platform tailored to meet the growing demands of remote work and hybrid team setups. By combining messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration tools, it bridges the gap between in-office and remote team members, ensuring productivity remains high across the board.

Key Features Include:

Group Chats and Direct Messaging: Effortlessly connect with team members through private messages or group discussions to streamline communication and ensure everyone stays on the same page.

File Sharing: Share files of all types and sizes without hassle, keeping projects organized and accessible to all relevant team members.

Video Conferencing: Conduct high-quality virtual meetings to discuss ideas, resolve issues, and maintain a strong team connection regardless of geographical distance.

Collaboration Tools: Centralize projects, track progress, and encourage teamwork with tools designed to keep your team aligned and engaged.

Why Troop Messenger is Essential for Businesses

Enhanced Productivity By removing communication barriers and cutting down on delays, Troop Messenger helps your team make choices more quickly and complete tasks more effectively. Its real-time communications features guarantee that important updates are communicated immediately, cutting down on downtime and increasing productivity all around.

Seamless Team Engagement Whether working remotely or in-office, maintaining team cohesion is essential. Troop Messenger fosters engagement by providing tools that encourage collaboration, such as shared channels and the ability to revisit chat histories for context.

Scalability and Adaptability Troop Messenger is designed to scale with your business. Its flexibility makes it suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries, adapting seamlessly to your communication needs as your team grows.

Enhanced Security In an age where data breaches are a significant concern, Troop Messenger prioritizes security. With end-to-end encryption and strict data privacy protocols, businesses can trust that their sensitive information is well-protected.

Driving the Future of Workplace Communication

As businesses continue to embrace remote work and hybrid models, Troop Messenger and similar technologies are becoming indispensable. By integrating many communication tools into a single platform, it streamlines procedures and keeps team members connected no matter where they are.

Selecting Troop Messenger entails providing your company with a dependable and effective communication tool that can handle today’s demands while also being prepared to adjust to the workplace of the future. It’s a partner in attaining smooth workplace communication and raising general productivity, not just a platform.

Elevate your team’s communication with Troop Messenger and experience the difference in collaboration, engagement, and efficiency.

What Makes Troop Messenger the Ultimate Team Communication Tool

Enhanced Team Interaction: Troop Messenger enables instant communication, reducing the need for lengthy meetings and emails. Whether collaborating remotely or in the office, team members can connect instantly through group or one-on-one chats.

Simplified Collaboration: Troop Messenger streamlines teamwork by offering tools like shared channels, file-sharing options, and access to chat history. These features ensure everyone stays aligned, minimizing overlooked details and improving project management.

Secure and Trustworthy: Beyond boosting communication, Troop Messenger prioritizes data security with end-to-end encryption and adherence to data privacy standards. Businesses can confidently share sensitive information on a reliable platform.

Scalability for All Businesses: Troop Messenger is adaptable to organizations of any size, from startups to large enterprises. Its intuitive design and customizable features make it a versatile solution for diverse business needs.

Real-Time Updates: Real-time communication is critical for remote and in-office teams. Troop Messenger’s near-instant messaging capabilities allow for prompt updates, quick problem resolution, and immediate responses to pressing matters.

[lunarriviera]

ellipsus, now with cloors!

ngl the one thing, the one thing that stopped me from using @ellipsus-writes before was the absence of pretty colors. now there's a dark pride theme (my sore eyes are so grateful) AND pretty colors! (okay the other thing was that my co-writer and i couldn't figure out that we first needed to make a draft off a main document, in order to share that. but then we did figure it out, and now we are!!)

now you can cohose yuor cloor!

AND! look at all the cool new typefaces, including my favorites, Alegreya and IM Fell (aka Folklore Font). as well as, of course, good old Garble (i have no idea what this is really called, i've always called it Garble. i want to try it but it truly makes me seasick).

(i'm also very appreciative of the fact that even when y'all go to a premium paid model, free will still include all the current features. bc i'm stupid levels of poor and wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise.)

so thank you for the themes AND the typefaces AND the colors! i'm a fan now, i might even order a sticker.

[fizzytoo]

some plans spinning around in my brain:

i wanna work on an save file for evergreen harbor. i’m going for more of an industrial trainyard/port city type of vibe (more than what ea gave us) i just want it to be real sleepy and run down.

OR

i want to make a submarine maintenance crew (homosexual) and figure out how to make a submarine build 🤝🏽🙂‍↕️

[meirimerens]

Are there any pathologic discord servers you recommend

i'm not in any pathologic server and the fandom servers i've been in over the years i've ended up muting because it's overwhelming and the sensation of crowds overstimulates and irritates me when i'm on my puter to have fun and relax

[ellipsus-writes]

Know a notebook, laptop, or bathroom stall that could use a little zhuzh? (It’s not vandalism if it’s ✨aesthetic✨)

We’ve got just the thing...

... Yep, we’re officially jumping on the merch gambit.

With a whole slew of stickers to choose from, you can support your favorite local writing tool, stay delightfully AI-free, and let the world know you write like a human. And for Pride, 50% of all proceeds will go to The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and The ACLU this June.

Check em out here! - the Ellipsus Team xo

[shvedskiycukor]

ART COLLAB WITH @/sara_kohan_art! <Check out her inst!!

[asneshiekhvoy]

Collab artwork with Ann! It's our characters, Andalusite and Fire Opal, just dancing together out of context :p