Autocompleting usernames on initial followed by has become a widespread standard since IRC, and is available in most Mattermost alternatives (Slack, HipChat, Riot, Gitter, etc.). I don’t understand why it is not offered, at least as an option, in Mattermost to better compete with these applications.
It may seem like a detail, but in fact it improves ergonomy and facilitates highlighting team mates in every sentence. Small details that are felt at every chat post can quickly become important features. In my small circle, the vast majority of users refused to migrate to Mattermost from Slack despite the serious privacy and security concerns just because they do not want to compromise this convenient feature. Others would not mind migrating even if they are not sensitive to the privacy/security argument, but they won’t until the reluctant ones make a move. While I do value the better privacy and security Mattermost offers, it seems it is not enough to convince all users (let alone those who do not care at all about privacy), and therefore others are still locked in Slack until their team as a whole agrees on a consensus to move.
For reference, I had opened a thread here on this matter, but I feel the forum may get better visibility than the suggestion board.
If this is will never be implemented, then I would be very grateful if anyone could point me to a way to do it with a plugin or by editing a couple source files.
Thanks.