👋 Tagging vs. Messaging on the AIE

Tagging and messaging are both powerful ways to interact with other members on the Aquaculture Information Exchange (AIE). Understanding the difference between the two can help you better connect and collaborate with our community. Let’s see how each feature works!

What is Tagging?

When you use the @ symbol followed by someone’s name in a post (e.g., @JohnDoe), this is called tagging. Tagging publicly mentions another member in your post and sends them an email notification. This is perfect for when you:

• Want someone specific to see your public post.
• Are asking for input or feedback directly from a particular person.
• Want others to be able to easily access someone else’s profile.

Remember: Tagging someone in a post is usually public, meaning members will see it in their feeds. You can also tag people in private groups, in which case only members of that group would be able to see it.

What is Messaging?

If you want a private conversation, you need to use the Messaging feature:

• Connect First:
  • Go to the member’s profile (find them in the membership directory)
  • Click the “Connect” button on the right side.
  • Wait for the member to accept your connection request—you’ll get notified once they do.

• Start a Conversation
  • Navigate to the “Messaging” tab in the header menu.
  • Click on “Start a new conversation.”
  • Type the member’s name into the “To:” field.
  • You can even add multiple people for group conversations!

Remember: Messaging is usually private, meaning only you and the other members in the conversation can view your messages. You can also send messages in a group, in which case all group members will see the message. You can send a group message even if you’re not connected to all group members.

Quick Recap:

• Tagging (@name) = Public, great for visibility and engagement.
• Messaging = Private, perfect for direct, personal conversations.

Both tagging and messaging contribute to our mission of fostering more connections among aquaculture professionals and enthusiasts in America. Try them both out and help us build a stronger community on the AIE!

Happy connecting! 🙂

Cover Photo of Bruce Vogt of Big Island Aquaculture and Bill Walton of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS hand out samples of sea lettuce at the 2025 Chef’s Seafood Symposium at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, Va. on March 11, 2025. By Lathan Goumas for Virginia Sea Grant.