# How to attend a "slow chat" on Bluesky
Also see [[Bluesky Events]].
![[Cover-SlowChats-v2-800.jpg|400]]
## What is a "slow chat?"
One fun way to connect with others in a topic-focused Bluesky community is participate in a "slow chat." This kind of chat takes place via text posts (rather than live video). Typically, a slow chat lasts for an hour, during which a moderator or moderators may post questions or prompts. Less frequently, a slow chat may take place over a longer time period.
Participants add a pre-determined hashtag (\#kidlitchat, for example) to each post, making it easier for others to follow the chat. I use deck.blue to more easily follow and auto-refresh the hashtag search column, but you can also just do a search for the hash using the default Search field in Bluesky, then keep hitting Enter. Latter is a bit of a hassle, though, especially since the Results View defaults to "Top" instead of "Recent."
> [!NOTE] Advice about "slow chats" from Bluesky community
> I asked Bluesky slow chat participants and organizers for any advice for others thinking about organizing their own slow chat, or who were nervous about participation. [Read their replies here](https://bsky.app/profile/debbieohi.com/post/3lbdh6bmexs2w).
>
## Example of a slow chat
Here's a screenshot results excerpt from a recent \#kidlitchat on Bluesky, via the native Bluesky app on my desktop Mac (Chrome browser), when I searched for the hashtag. The topic of this particular \#kidlitchat (which is announced at the official chat account @[kidlitchat](https://bsky.app/profile/kidlitchat.bsky.social)) was an invitation for everyone to introduce themselves:
![[Sample-NO-BLUR-KidLitIntros-800.jpg]]
Note that each of the posts above has the hashtag \#kidlitchat. Some are being posted directly on each person's feed. Some are replies to other posts. Some are quote-posts (like the last one in the screenshot).
## How do I follow a slow chat?
The simplest but least efficient way is to enter the hashtag in the Bluesky search field and hit ENTER. Be aware when you do this, however, the default view will be "Top" posts rather than "Latest." Now sure exactly what Top posts are, but I suspect that shares and Likes are a factor.
![[Sample-Top-KidLitChat-Posts-800.jpg|600]]
If you use this method, you'll have to switch to LATEST each time to see the most recent posts.
## Try deck.blue
I use [deck.blue](https://bsky.app/profile/deck.blue) to follow slow chats like \#kidlitchat.
Here's a quickie video I put together that shows how I do this, which you can also [view directly on YouTube](https://youtu.be/-9V7pAAGCvo?si=0iQ-u-TFjPMhJler):
For those who prefer a text-only explanation:
- Use the Search field in deck.blue to look for \#kidlitchat or whatever your slow chat hashtag is.
- Turn the search results into a column by clicking on the "add column" button in the bottom right of the search results.
- You'll have to do this again on the Preview window.
- Now move the column to where you want it by grabbing the Move handle (indicated by a small icon that looks like a 2x6 stack of dots).
- Adjust the column settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top right of the column. I usually opt for the widest column size, refresh rate of every 15 seconds, and notification sound.
-