In a previous post, I have argued that all EAs should solely use Signal:
“Facebook Messenger is dangerously insecure. It only takes one data breach of one insufficiently careful EA to harm the movement. Thus, all EAs should use Signal instead of Facebook Messenger for their internal messages.”
Since then, I have collected from other EAs frequently asked questions, tricks, and things to keep in mind when using Signal.
These can be found in a shared Dropbox link here, as well as below:
When I’m running an EA party, I print out a QR code and write on the paper “Use the default phone camera app.” I then put this paper next to the publicly posted Wi-Fi password. This gets people to use the default camera app to access the QR code, thereby joining the groupchat.
I only know someone’s name. How do I add them to a Signal groupchat?
If you must, you can use Facebook Messenger solely to find someone by their name, and send them the Signal invite link.
For moving message history from desktop to desktop, there is no official way yet endorsed by Signal developers. But there are unofficial ways (that I have yet to test myself, and would be great to test! Please let us know if you tried this method either successfully or unsuccessfully.)
I can add up to 1000 people to each Signal groupchat! Should I?
For connecting EAs, it can be worth it. But if you are just passing the Invite link or QR code around to 1000 people, you can’t really keep track of who is actually in your groupchat.
For very large groupchats (announcements, etc.), assume someone can leak the messages at any time. Be careful about what you post.
For small groupchats (EA orgs, houses, parties), make sure you keep track of everyone who has joined the groupchat, say by periodically checking the list of people in it.
Also, either (1) close the invite link after it’s not needed or (2) make admin approval required for joining the groupchat.
How to not tie your phone number to Signal?
Use a temporary phone number to make the Signal account:
Transitioning to Signal (Tips & Tricks)
In a previous post, I have argued that all EAs should solely use Signal:
“Facebook Messenger is dangerously insecure. It only takes one data breach of one insufficiently careful EA to harm the movement. Thus, all EAs should use Signal instead of Facebook Messenger for their internal messages.”
Since then, I have collected from other EAs frequently asked questions, tricks, and things to keep in mind when using Signal.
These can be found in a shared Dropbox link here, as well as below:
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How to use Signal
By and for the EA community
How to invite people to a groupchat?
Send an invite link. Or, either (1) print out, (2) send, or (3) show on your phone screen a QR code.
https://support.signal.org/hc/en-us/articles/360051086971-Group-Link-or-QR-code
When I’m running an EA party, I print out a QR code and write on the paper “Use the default phone camera app.” I then put this paper next to the publicly posted Wi-Fi password. This gets people to use the default camera app to access the QR code, thereby joining the groupchat.
I only know someone’s name. How do I add them to a Signal groupchat?
If you must, you can use Facebook Messenger solely to find someone by their name, and send them the Signal invite link.
How to move message history between devices?
For moving message history from your primary (mobile) device to your new primary device: https://support.signal.org/hc/en-us/articles/360007059752-Backup-and-Restore-Messages
For moving message history from desktop to desktop, there is no official way yet endorsed by Signal developers. But there are unofficial ways (that I have yet to test myself, and would be great to test! Please let us know if you tried this method either successfully or unsuccessfully.)
Moving chat history from Windows to Windows: https://www.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/s93756/is_there_way_i_can_move_over_my_chat_history_from/htllhog/?context=8&depth=9
Moving chat history from Mac to Mac: https://www.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/lbnzg7/comment/hifd8tj/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
I can add up to 1000 people to each Signal groupchat! Should I?
For connecting EAs, it can be worth it. But if you are just passing the Invite link or QR code around to 1000 people, you can’t really keep track of who is actually in your groupchat.
For very large groupchats (announcements, etc.), assume someone can leak the messages at any time. Be careful about what you post.
For small groupchats (EA orgs, houses, parties), make sure you keep track of everyone who has joined the groupchat, say by periodically checking the list of people in it.
Also, either (1) close the invite link after it’s not needed or (2) make admin approval required for joining the groupchat.
How to not tie your phone number to Signal?
Use a temporary phone number to make the Signal account:
FreePhoneNum.com
Mailinator.com
Receive-SMSs.com
TempoPhone.com
Details here: https://techlearningcollective.com/2019/10/29/this-little-known-trick-lets-you-use-signal-without-giving-out-your-phone-number.html
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