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# Messaging other members

Creatures messages are private, one-to-one conversations. You can start one from a member or organization profile, then return to it from **Messages**.

![The Messages inbox with conversation previews and search](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/1a8/f97/e07/97104.png?width=1760)

## Start or continue a conversation

1. Open the person or organization you want to contact.
2. Select **Message** to start, or **View conversation** to return to your messages.
3. Write your note in **Write a message**. Add a photo or file with the paperclip button, or choose an emoji.
4. Select **Send message**.

![The focused mobile message composer with attachment, emoji, and Send message controls](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/648/80d/97c/772b3.png?width=1760)

Creatures keeps one conversation for each pair of people or organizations. Returning to it does not create a separate thread, and group messages are not available.

If you belong to an organization, you may also message in the organization's voice. Other team members who can use that organization can see and continue its conversations, so use your personal voice for personal messages and the organization voice for shared work.

## What you can include

A message can include text, mentions, photos, and files. Type **@** to mention a person, organization, or animal. Images appear in the conversation and can be opened larger.

Some conversations also show a short context label, such as a listing, animal, transport request, application, sale, or **Website inquiry**. That label helps both people remember what started the conversation. Selecting it returns you to the related item when it is still available.

## React to a message

![A message with an emoji reaction and its reaction count](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/8bb/515/fdc/94b28.png?width=1760)

Select the smile button beside a message, then choose an emoji. You can use up to four different emoji on the same message. Select the number beside an existing emoji to see who reacted. Select the emoji itself to add or remove that reaction for your account.

## If you cannot start a new conversation

Creatures limits brand-new conversations to reduce spam. A verified member can start up to 10 new conversations in a 24-hour period; an unverified member can start one. Replies in conversations that already exist are not limited. If you reach the lower limit, [verify your identity](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/verifying-your-identity-1e3xy1a/) or wait until the window resets.

For search, unread messages, and inbox limits, see [Finding and managing your messages](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/message-reactions-search-and-whats-in-your-inbox-pmutbe/). For unwanted contact, see [Blocking or reporting another member](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/blocking-and-reporting-another-member-65wefi/).

### Related information

- [Finding and managing your messages](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/message-reactions-search-and-whats-in-your-inbox-pmutbe/)
- [Blocking or reporting another member](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/blocking-and-reporting-another-member-65wefi/)
- [Posting, reacting, and reposting in the community feed](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/the-community-feed-posting-reactions-and-reposts-lywskc/)