Overview
Configure channels in a deliberate order.
Start with one private home channel. Pair the bot, send a test message, and designate the chat where unsolicited updates should arrive.
Add a capture channel. Tell Hermes that items placed there should be remembered or processed without requiring a conversational reply. This creates a low-friction inbox for links and ideas.
Create topic threads for recurring work. Keep unrelated domains separate so trading updates do not mix with content production or personal errands. Use the bot's administrator permissions to create and manage those topics.
Add Slack when Hermes must work with a team. Install the app, enable socket mode, restart the gateway, invite the bot to a test channel, and verify threaded replies. Then whitelist the intended users or explicitly allow all users.
Add iMessage when fast personal messaging is useful. Let Hermes configure the connection from the project credentials, then verify the assigned number from the phone.
After each integration, test both directions: send a message to Hermes and require Hermes to send a response or update back through the same channel.