# witcheer's release explainer #2: /bg vs /btw

Written by [witcheer](https://x.com/witcheer) at Nous Research. Republished with credit.

Canonical: https://hermeswatcher.com/wingtips/explainers/2  
Published: 2026-09-01  
[Original](https://notwitcheer.github.io/hermes-recipes/wingtips/60-bg-vs-btw/) · [On X](https://x.com/witcheer/status/2094664430814400740) · [Full collection](https://notwitcheer.github.io/hermes-recipes/) · [Official docs](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/reference/slash-commands)

[Source Markdown](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/notwitcheer/hermes-recipes/8653fb699a137a32e81936fa33cabacd3f4f2095/docs/wingtips/60-bg-vs-btw.md): use this file as the base for relative links in the verbatim text below.

Sources: [Hermes docs: Slash Commands](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/reference/slash-commands)


Hermes Wingtips #60: /bg vs /btw

(1) /bg hands a prompt to a separate session:

your Hermes Agent works on it in the background while your conversation stays free, and the result comes back when it is done.

(2) /btw is for a side question about the conversation you are already in:

it answers from a snapshot, so the task that is currently running never stops.

they also both work on messaging platforms, not only in the terminal.