sales-mimestream

What this skill does

# Mimestream Platform Help

Helps with Mimestream — a native macOS email client built exclusively for Gmail by a former Apple Mail engineer (7+ years at Apple). Uses the Gmail API directly (not IMAP), providing native label support, Gmail search, categories, aliases, and tracking prevention. Mac-only, Gmail-only, no AI features, no public API.

## Step 1 — Gather context

If `references/learnings.md` exists, read it first for accumulated platform knowledge.

Ask the user:

1. **What are you trying to do with Mimestream?**
   - A) Set up Mimestream or configure accounts
   - B) Fix labels, categories, or search issues
   - C) Configure notifications, snooze, or templates
   - D) Compare Mimestream to other Mac email clients
   - E) Evaluate privacy / tracking prevention features
   - F) Something else — describe it

2. **How many Gmail accounts?**
   - A) One personal Gmail
   - B) One Google Workspace
   - C) Multiple (personal + work)

3. **What are you currently using?**
   - A) Gmail web
   - B) Apple Mail
   - C) Another email client (name it)
   - D) New to desktop email clients

**Skip-ahead rule**: if the user's prompt already provides enough context, skip to Step 2.

## Step 2 — Route or answer directly

| If the question is about... | Route to... |
|---|---|
| AI email triage, auto-drafts, or AI writing | "Mimestream has no AI features — run: `/sales-superhuman {question}` or `/sales-fyxer {question}`" |
| Team shared inbox or collaboration | "Run: `/sales-missive {question}` or `/sales-hiver {question}`" |
| Server-side email filtering without switching clients | "Run: `/sales-sanebox {question}`" |
| Inbox cleanup or mass unsubscribe | "Run: `/sales-clean-email {question}`" |
| Meeting scheduling | "Run: `/sales-meeting-scheduler {question}`" |

For Mimestream-specific questions, continue to Step 3.

## Step 3 — Mimestream platform reference

**Read `references/platform-guide.md`** for the full platform reference — capabilities, pricing, Gmail API details, privacy model, keyboard shortcuts, and multi-account setup.

Answer the user's question using only the relevant section. Don't dump the full reference.

## Step 4 — Actionable guidance

- **For multi-account setup**: Add accounts via Settings. Each gets its own color, notification schedule, and signature. Use Unified Inbox to see all accounts together, or switch between individual inboxes.
- **For label/category issues**: Mimestream mirrors Gmail labels and categories via the API. If something is wrong in Mimestream, check Gmail web first — the issue may be server-side. Server-side Gmail filters can be managed directly from Mimestream.
- **For notification delays**: Try switching between Private Push (Cloud Pub/Sub, slight delay) and IMAP IDLE (direct, more immediate but uses more battery). Private Push doesn't share credentials with Mimestream servers.
- **For "is it worth it" questions**: The value proposition is speed + native macOS feel + tracking prevention + no intermediary servers. If you primarily use keyboard shortcuts, labels, and Gmail search, Mimestream surfaces these better than Apple Mail or Gmail web. If you need AI, cross-platform, or Outlook — look elsewhere.

If you discover a gotcha, workaround, or tip not covered in `references/learnings.md`, append it there.

## Gotchas

> *Best-effort from research — review these, especially items about feature limitations that may change with updates.*

- **Gmail-only.** Mimestream only works with Gmail and Google Workspace. No Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, or IMAP support. Microsoft 365 and IMAP are on the roadmap but no ETA.
- **Mac-only — no iOS app.** There is no iPhone or iPad app. iOS app is in development (TestFlight beta expected). This means you need a separate email app for mobile.
- **No AI features at all.** No AI triage, no AI writing, no AI summarization. If you want AI, use Superhuman ($30/mo), Shortwave ($7+/mo), or pair Mimestream with SaneBox ($7/mo) for server-side filtering.
- **No public API or automation.** No REST API, no webhooks, no Zapier, no Make, no MCP server. Cannot be programmatically controlled beyond macOS Accessibility API.
- **No free tier.** 14-day trial only. After that, $4.99/mo or $49.99/yr. Not available on the Mac App Store.
- **Subscription only.** No lifetime or one-time purchase option. Recurring payment required.
- **Self-improving**: If you discover something not covered here, append it to `references/learnings.md` with today's date.

## Related skills

- `/sales-superhuman` — Superhuman fastest AI email client (keyboard workflow, Split Inbox, MCP server, $25-40/mo). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-superhuman -a claude-code`
- `/sales-airmail` — Airmail Apple-exclusive email client (customizable actions, AppleScript automation, Free/$49yr). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-airmail -a claude-code`
- `/sales-spark-mail` — Spark Mail cross-platform AI email client (Smart Inbox, Gatekeeper, Free/$5/$7/mo). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-spark-mail -a claude-code`
- `/sales-bluemail` — BlueMail cross-platform email client (free unified inbox, GemAI, clustering, Free/$5/$12/mo). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-bluemail -a claude-code`
- `/sales-em-client` — eM Client desktop email client (cross-platform, PGP encryption, calendar/tasks, Free/~€30yr). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-em-client -a claude-code`
- `/sales-shortwave` — Shortwave AI-native Gmail client (AI filters, Ghostwriter, MCP consumer, $24-100/mo). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-shortwave -a claude-code`
- `/sales-sanebox` — SaneBox server-side email filtering (smart folders, any provider, $7/mo). Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-sanebox -a claude-code`
- `/sales-do` — Not sure which skill to use? The router matches any sales objective to the right skill. Install:
  `npx skills add sales-skills/sales --skill sales-do -a claude-code`

## Examples

### Example 1: Is Mimestream worth it over Gmail web?
**User says**: "I spend all day in Gmail on my Mac. Is Mimestream worth $50/year?"
**Skill does**:
1. Reads platform guide for feature comparison
2. Explains value: native macOS speed, keyboard shortcuts, multi-account unified inbox, tracking prevention, offline access, system notifications, dark mode reformatting
3. Notes what Gmail web does better: free, cross-device, extensions ecosystem, AI features (Gemini)
4. Notes Mimestream has no AI, no mobile app, no free tier
5. Recommends trying the 14-day trial to see if the speed difference justifies the cost
**Result**: Clear cost-benefit analysis for daily Gmail users

### Example 2: Comparing Mimestream to Superhuman for a Mac user
**User says**: "Should I get Mimestream or Superhuman for my Mac? I use Gmail."
**Skill does**:
1. Reads platform guide for comparison context
2. Compares: Mimestream $50/yr vs Superhuman $300+/yr — 6x price difference
3. Mimestream: native macOS app, faster native feel, tracking prevention, no AI
4. Superhuman: AI Write, Split Inbox, read receipts, MCP server for Claude Code, cross-platform (iOS, Android)
5. Recommends Mimestream if you want pure speed + privacy at low cost; Superhuman if AI features and mobile access justify the premium
**Result**: Clear positioning on the price-to-feature spectrum

### Example 3: Setting up multiple Gmail accounts with unified inbox
**User says**: "I have 3 Gmail accounts — personal, work Google Workspace, and a side project. How do I set them all up in Mimestream?"
**Skill does**:
1. Reads platform guide for multi-account setup
2. Walks through adding each account via OAuth (Settings → Accounts → Add Account)
3. Explains per-account customization: colors, notification schedules, signatures, aliases
4. Shows how to use Unified Inbox for all-in-one view vs switching between accounts
5. Notes Focus Filters can temporarily suppress