diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 6a5f884..bf9ebe9 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ tmtags
 coverage
 rdoc
 pkg
+.byebug_history
 
 #bundler
 Gemfile.lock
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 804f4d5..40d8571 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -29,6 +29,8 @@ Test the token with the [`git findpr`](https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-
 
 ### Options
 * ```--quiet```: suppress posting message in Socialcast
+* config/scgitx.yml option `share_via_pr_comments`: Set to `true` to post reviewrequest and integration messages
+as pull request comments instead of Socialcast posts.
 
 ## git start <new_branch_name (optional)>
 
@@ -50,9 +52,17 @@ Find pull requests on github including a given commit
 
 List branches merged into remote origin/`branch` and not also merged into origin/`base_branch`
 
+## git createpr
+
+create a pull request on github for the current branch, without assigning it for review.
+
 ## git reviewrequest
 
-create a pull request on github for peer review of the current branch.
+create and assign a pull request on github for peer review of the current branch.  See `assignpr` for additional options.
+
+## git assignpr
+
+assign the pull request on github for the current branch for peer review.
 
 ### Optional:
 Specify a Review Buddy mapping that will reference the local Github username and @mention a pre-assigned review buddy in the Socialcast Review Request message.  Specify the mapping by creating a .scgitx YML file relative to the Repo Root: config/scgitx.yml with the following format:
diff --git a/bin/git-assignpr b/bin/git-assignpr
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..fe1dc88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bin/git-assignpr
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env ruby
+
+require File.join(File.dirname(__FILE__), '..', 'lib', 'socialcast-git-extensions', 'cli.rb')
+Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start (['assignpr'] + ARGV)
diff --git a/bin/git-createpr b/bin/git-createpr
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..23ee63c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bin/git-createpr
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env ruby
+
+require File.join(File.dirname(__FILE__), '..', 'lib', 'socialcast-git-extensions', 'cli.rb')
+Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start (['createpr'] + ARGV)
diff --git a/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/cli.rb b/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/cli.rb
index 3f17512..3425294 100644
--- a/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/cli.rb
+++ b/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/cli.rb
@@ -28,13 +28,24 @@ def initialize(*args)
         RestClient.log = Logger.new(STDOUT) if options[:trace]
       end
 
-      desc "reviewrequest", "Create a pull request on github"
+      desc "createpr", "Create a pull request on github"
       method_option :description, :type => :string, :aliases => '-d', :desc => 'pull request description'
+      # @see http://developer.github.com/v3/pulls/
+      def createpr
+        update unless @skip_update
+        description = options[:description] || editor_input(PULL_REQUEST_DESCRIPTION)
+        branch = current_branch
+        repo = current_repo
+        url = create_pull_request(branch, repo, description)['html_url']
+        say "Pull request created: #{url}"
+      end
+
+      desc "assignpr", "Assign the pull request on github for review"
       method_option :additional_reviewers, :type => :string, :aliases => '-a', :desc => 'add additional reviewers to mention automatically, and skips the prompt'
       method_option :skip_additional_reviewers, :type => :string, :aliases => '-s', :desc => 'Skips adding additional reviewers'
       # @see http://developer.github.com/v3/pulls/
-      def reviewrequest(*additional_reviewers)
-        update
+      def assignpr(*additional_reviewers)
+        update unless @skip_update
 
         primary_mention = if buddy = socialcast_review_buddy(current_user)
           "assigned to @#{buddy}"
@@ -58,16 +69,34 @@ def reviewrequest(*additional_reviewers)
           end
         end
 
-        assignee = github_review_buddy(current_user)
-
-        description = options[:description] || editor_input(PULL_REQUEST_DESCRIPTION)
         branch = current_branch
         repo = current_repo
-        url = create_pull_request branch, repo, description, assignee
-        say "Pull request created: #{url}"
+        current_pr = current_pr_for_branch(repo, branch)
+        issue_url = current_pr['issue_url']
+        url = current_pr['html_url']
+
+        assignee = github_review_buddy(current_user)
+        assign_pull_request(assignee, issue_url) if assignee
 
-        review_message = ["#reviewrequest for #{branch} in #{current_repo}", "PR #{url} #{primary_mention}", '', description, '', secondary_mention, "/cc @#{developer_group} #scgitx", '', changelog_summary(branch)].compact.join("\n").gsub(/\n{2,}/, "\n\n")
-        post review_message, :message_type => 'review_request'
+        if use_pr_comments?
+          issue_message = ['#reviewrequest', primary_mention, secondary_mention, "\n/cc @#{developer_group} #scgitx"].compact.join(' ')
+          comment_on_issue(issue_url, issue_message)
+        else
+          review_message = ["#reviewrequest for #{branch} in #{current_repo}", "PR #{url} #{primary_mention}", '', current_pr['body'], '', secondary_mention, "/cc @#{developer_group} #scgitx", '', changelog_summary(branch)].compact.join("\n").gsub(/\n{2,}/, "\n\n")
+          post review_message, :message_type => 'review_request'
+        end
+      end
+
+      desc "reviewrequest", "Create and assign a pull request on github"
+      method_option :description, :type => :string, :aliases => '-d', :desc => 'pull request description'
+      method_option :additional_reviewers, :type => :string, :aliases => '-a', :desc => 'add additional reviewers to mention automatically, and skips the prompt'
+      method_option :skip_additional_reviewers, :type => :string, :aliases => '-s', :desc => 'Skips adding additional reviewers'
+      # @see http://developer.github.com/v3/pulls/
+      def reviewrequest(*additional_reviewers)
+        update
+        @skip_update = true
+        createpr
+        assignpr(*additional_reviewers)
       end
 
       desc "findpr", "Find pull requests including a given commit"
@@ -104,14 +133,21 @@ def backportpr(pull_request_num, maintenance_branch)
         maintenance_branch_url = "https://github.com/#{repo}/tree/#{maintenance_branch}"
         description = "Backport ##{pull_request_num} to #{maintenance_branch_url}\n***\n#{pull_request_data['body']}"
 
-        pull_request_url = create_pull_request(backport_branch, repo, description, assignee)
+        pr_hash = create_pull_request(backport_branch, repo, description)
+        assign_pull_request(assignee, pr_hash['issue_url']) if assignee
 
-        review_message = ["#reviewrequest backport ##{pull_request_num} to #{maintenance_branch} in #{current_repo} #scgitx"]
-        if socialcast_reviewer
-          review_message << "/cc @#{socialcast_reviewer} for #backport track"
+        reviewer_mention = "@#{socialcast_reviewer}" if socialcast_reviewer
+        if use_pr_comments?
+          issue_message = ['#reviewrequest backport', reviewer_mention, "/cc @#{developer_group} #scgitx"].compact.join(' ')
+          comment_on_issue(pr_hash['issue_url'], issue_message)
+        else
+          review_message = ["#reviewrequest backport ##{pull_request_num} to #{maintenance_branch} in #{current_repo} #scgitx"]
+          if socialcast_reviewer
+            review_message << "/cc #{reviewer_mention} for #backport track"
+          end
+          review_message << "/cc @#{developer_group}"
+          post review_message.join("\n\n"), :url => pr_hash['html_url'], :message_type => 'review_request'
         end
-        review_message << "/cc @#{developer_group}"
-        post review_message.join("\n\n"), :url => pull_request_url, :message_type => 'review_request'
       ensure
         ENV['BASE_BRANCH'] = original_base_branch
       end
@@ -192,12 +228,26 @@ def integrate(target_branch = prototype_branch)
         integrate_branch(target_branch, prototype_branch) if target_branch == staging_branch
         run_cmd "git checkout #{branch}"
 
-        message = <<-EOS.strip_heredoc
-          #worklog integrating #{branch} into #{target_branch} in #{current_repo} #scgitx
-          /cc @#{developer_group}
-        EOS
+        current_pr = begin
+          current_pr_for_branch(current_repo, current_branch)
+        rescue => e
+          say e.message.to_s
+          nil
+        end
 
-        post message.strip
+        say("WARNING: Unable to find current pull request.  Use `git createpr` to create one.", :red) unless current_pr
+
+        if use_pr_comments? && current_pr
+          issue_message = "Integrated into #{target_branch}"
+          comment_on_issue(current_pr['issue_url'], issue_message) unless options[:quiet]
+        else
+          message = <<-EOS.strip_heredoc
+            #worklog integrating #{branch} into #{target_branch} in #{current_repo} #scgitx
+            /cc @#{developer_group}
+          EOS
+
+          post message.strip
+        end
       end
 
       desc 'promote', '(DEPRECATED) promote the current branch into staging'
@@ -264,12 +314,14 @@ def release
         integrate_branch(base_branch, staging_branch)
         cleanup
 
-        message = <<-EOS.strip_heredoc
-          #worklog releasing #{branch} to #{base_branch} in #{current_repo} #scgitx
-          /cc @#{developer_group}
-        EOS
+        unless use_pr_comments?
+          message = <<-EOS.strip_heredoc
+            #worklog releasing #{branch} to #{base_branch} in #{current_repo} #scgitx
+            /cc @#{developer_group}
+          EOS
 
-        post message.strip
+          post message.strip
+        end
       end
 
       private
@@ -282,6 +334,10 @@ def enforce_staging_before_release?
         !!config['enforce_staging_before_release']
       end
 
+      def use_pr_comments?
+        config['share_via_pr_comments'] == true
+      end
+
       # post a message in socialcast
       # skip sharing message if CLI quiet option is present
       def post(message, params = {})
diff --git a/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/github.rb b/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/github.rb
index 615da9b..9d6c764 100644
--- a/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/github.rb
+++ b/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/github.rb
@@ -31,9 +31,8 @@ def authorization_token
         throw e
       end
 
-      # returns the url of the created pull request
       # @see http://developer.github.com/v3/pulls/
-      def create_pull_request(branch, repo, body, assignee)
+      def create_pull_request(branch, repo, body)
         payload = {:title => branch, :base => base_branch, :head => branch, :body => body}.to_json
         say "Creating pull request for "
         say "#{branch} ", :green
@@ -41,11 +40,7 @@ def create_pull_request(branch, repo, body, assignee)
         say "#{base_branch} ", :green
         say "in "
         say repo, :green
-        data = github_api_request("POST", "repos/#{repo}/pulls", payload)
-        assign_pull_request(branch, assignee, data) if assignee ## Unfortunately this needs to be done in a seperate request.
-
-        url = data['html_url']
-        url
+        github_api_request("POST", "repos/#{repo}/pulls", payload)
       end
 
       # find the PRs matching the given commit hash
@@ -56,13 +51,33 @@ def pull_requests_for_commit(repo, commit_hash)
         github_api_request "GET", "search/issues?q=#{query}"
       end
 
-      def assign_pull_request(branch, assignee, data)
-        issue_payload = { :title => branch, :assignee => assignee }.to_json
-        github_api_request "PATCH", data['issue_url'], issue_payload
+      # find the PRs for a given branch
+      # https://developer.github.com/v3/pulls/#list-pull-requests
+      def pull_requests_for_branch(repo, branch)
+        head_name = "#{repo.split('/').first}:#{branch}"
+        github_api_request "GET", "repos/#{repo}/pulls?head=#{head_name}"
+      end
+
+      # find the current PR for a given branch
+      def current_pr_for_branch(repo, branch)
+        prs = pull_requests_for_branch(repo, branch)
+        raise "Multiple (#{prs.size}) open PRs for #{branch} found in #{repo}, unable to proceed" if prs.size > 1
+        prs.first
+      end
+
+      def assign_pull_request(assignee, issue_url)
+        issue_payload = { :assignee => assignee }.to_json
+        github_api_request "PATCH", issue_url, issue_payload
       rescue => e
         say "Failed to assign pull request: #{e.message}", :red
       end
 
+      # post a comment on an issue
+      # https://developer.github.com/v3/issues/comments/#create-a-comment
+      def comment_on_issue(issue_url, comment_body)
+        github_api_request 'POST', "#{issue_url}/comments", { :body => comment_body }.to_json
+      end
+
       # @returns [String] socialcast username to assign the review to
       # @returns [nil] when no buddy system configured or user not found
       def socialcast_review_buddy(current_user)
diff --git a/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/version.rb b/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/version.rb
index 46d9b20..b69da6a 100644
--- a/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/version.rb
+++ b/lib/socialcast-git-extensions/version.rb
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 module Socialcast
   module Gitx
-    VERSION = "3.3"
+    VERSION = "4.0"
   end
 end
diff --git a/socialcast-git-extensions.gemspec b/socialcast-git-extensions.gemspec
index 445b988..5d562d1 100644
--- a/socialcast-git-extensions.gemspec
+++ b/socialcast-git-extensions.gemspec
@@ -16,13 +16,14 @@ Gem::Specification.new do |s|
 
   s.add_runtime_dependency 'rugged', '>= 0.23'
   s.add_runtime_dependency 'socialcast', '~> 1.3.0'
-  s.add_runtime_dependency 'activesupport', '~> 4.0'
+  s.add_runtime_dependency 'activesupport', '>= 4.0'
   s.add_runtime_dependency 'rest-client', '~> 1.7'
   s.add_runtime_dependency 'thor', '~> 0.19.1'
   s.add_runtime_dependency 'rake', '~> 10.3'
   s.add_development_dependency 'rspec', '~> 3.0'
   s.add_development_dependency 'pry', '~>  0.9.12.6'
   s.add_development_dependency 'webmock', '~> 1.21'
+  s.add_development_dependency 'byebug'
 
   s.files         = `git ls-files`.split("\n")
   s.test_files    = `git ls-files -- {test,spec,features}/*`.split("\n")
diff --git a/spec/cli_spec.rb b/spec/cli_spec.rb
index 5df5890..e964f9d 100644
--- a/spec/cli_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/cli_spec.rb
@@ -3,10 +3,18 @@
 describe Socialcast::Gitx::CLI do
   let(:stubbed_executed_commands) { [] }
 
-  def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
+  def expect_message(message_body, params = {})
     expect(Socialcast::CommandLine::Message).to receive(:create).with(params.merge(:body => message_body)).and_return(double(:permalink_url => 'https://community.socialcast.com/messages/1234'))
   end
 
+  let(:git_update_commands) do
+    [
+      "git pull origin FOO",
+      "git pull origin master",
+      "git push origin HEAD"
+    ]
+  end
+
   before do
     Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.instance_eval do # to supress warning from stubbing ldap_config
       @no_tasks = @no_commands = true
@@ -25,12 +33,10 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
   end
 
   describe '#update' do
-    before do
+    it do
       expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).not_to receive(:post)
       Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['update']
-    end
-    it 'should not post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-    it 'should run expected commands' do
+
       expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
         'git pull origin FOO',
         'git pull origin master',
@@ -40,107 +46,163 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
   end
 
   describe '#integrate' do
-    context 'when target branch is ommitted' do
-      before do
-        stub_message "#worklog integrating FOO into prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
-
-        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate']
+    context 'with no existing pull request' do
+      let!(:github_api_pulls_list) do
+        stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls?head=socialcast:FOO")
+          .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "[]", :headers => {})
       end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should default to prototype' do
-        expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-          "git pull origin FOO",
-          "git pull origin master",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git branch -D prototype",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout prototype",
-          "git pull . FOO",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout FOO",
-          "git checkout FOO"
-        ])
+      context 'when target branch is omitted' do
+        it 'defaults to prototype' do
+          expect_message "#worklog integrating FOO into prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D prototype",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout prototype",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git checkout FOO"
+          ])
+          expect(github_api_pulls_list).to have_been_requested
+        end
       end
-    end
-    context 'when target branch is ommitted with custom prototype branch' do
-      before do
-        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:prototype_branch).and_return('special-prototype')
+      context 'when target branch is omitted with custom prototype branch' do
+        it 'defaults to the custom prototype branch' do
+          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:prototype_branch).and_return('special-prototype')
 
-        stub_message "#worklog integrating FOO into special-prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+          expect_message "#worklog integrating FOO into special-prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
 
-        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate']
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D special-prototype",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout special-prototype",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git checkout FOO"
+          ])
+        end
       end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should default to prototype' do
-        expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-          "git pull origin FOO",
-          "git pull origin master",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git branch -D special-prototype",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout special-prototype",
-          "git pull . FOO",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout FOO",
-          "git checkout FOO"
-        ])
+      context 'when target branch == prototype' do
+        it do
+          expect_message "#worklog integrating FOO into prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate', 'prototype']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D prototype",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout prototype",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git checkout FOO"
+          ])
+        end
       end
-    end
-    context 'when target branch == prototype' do
-      before do
-        stub_message "#worklog integrating FOO into prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+      context 'when target branch == staging' do
+        it do
+          expect_message "#worklog integrating FOO into staging in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
 
-        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate', 'prototype']
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate', 'staging']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D staging",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout staging",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git branch -D prototype",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout prototype",
+            "git pull . staging",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout staging",
+            "git checkout FOO"
+          ])
+        end
       end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
-        expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-          "git pull origin FOO",
-          "git pull origin master",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git branch -D prototype",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout prototype",
-          "git pull . FOO",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout FOO",
-          "git checkout FOO"
-        ])
+      context 'when target branch != staging || prototype' do
+        it do
+          expect {
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate', 'asdfasdfasdf']
+          }.to raise_error(/Only aggregate branches are allowed for integration/)
+        end
       end
     end
-    context 'when target branch == staging' do
+    context 'with an existing pull request' do
+      let!(:github_api_pulls_list) do
+        stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls?head=socialcast:FOO")
+          .to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q([{"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1", "issue_url": "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1", "body":"testing"}]))
+      end
+      let!(:github_api_comments_create) do
+        stub_request(:post, "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1/comments")
+          .with(:body => "{\"body\":\"Integrated into prototype\"}")
+          .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "{}", :headers => {})
+      end
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog integrating FOO into staging in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
-
-        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate', 'staging']
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:use_pr_comments?).and_return(use_pr_comments)
       end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should also integrate into prototype and run expected commands' do
-        expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-          "git pull origin FOO",
-          "git pull origin master",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git branch -D staging",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout staging",
-          "git pull . FOO",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout FOO",
-          "git branch -D prototype",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout prototype",
-          "git pull . staging",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout staging",
-          "git checkout FOO"
-        ])
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+        let(:use_pr_comments) { false }
+        it 'does not comment on the PR posts a message' do
+          expect_message "#worklog integrating FOO into prototype in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D prototype",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout prototype",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git checkout FOO"
+          ])
+          expect(github_api_pulls_list).to have_been_requested
+          expect(github_api_comments_create).to_not have_been_requested
+        end
       end
-    end
-    context 'when target branch != staging || prototype' do
-      it 'should raise an error' do
-        expect {
-          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate', 'asdfasdfasdf']
-        }.to raise_error(/Only aggregate branches are allowed for integration/)
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+        let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+        it 'comments on the PR and does not post a message' do
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['integrate']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D prototype",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout prototype",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git checkout FOO"
+          ])
+          expect(github_api_pulls_list).to have_been_requested
+          expect(github_api_comments_create).to have_been_requested
+        end
       end
     end
   end
@@ -163,38 +225,52 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
     end
     context 'when user confirms release' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog releasing FOO to master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
-
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:yes?).and_return(true)
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:cleanup)
-        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
       end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
-        expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-          "git branch -D last_known_good_staging",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout last_known_good_staging",
-          "git checkout FOO",
-          "git pull origin FOO",
-          "git pull origin master",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout master",
-          "git pull origin master",
-          "git pull . FOO",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git branch -D staging",
-          "git fetch origin",
-          "git checkout staging",
-          "git pull . master",
-          "git push origin HEAD",
-          "git checkout master"
-        ])
+      shared_examples_for 'releasing the branch' do
+        it do
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+            "git branch -D last_known_good_staging",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout last_known_good_staging",
+            "git checkout FOO",
+            "git pull origin FOO",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout master",
+            "git pull origin master",
+            "git pull . FOO",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git branch -D staging",
+            "git fetch origin",
+            "git checkout staging",
+            "git pull . master",
+            "git push origin HEAD",
+            "git checkout master"
+          ])
+        end
+      end
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+        before do
+          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:use_pr_comments?).and_return(false)
+          expect_message "#worklog releasing FOO to master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
+        end
+        it_behaves_like 'releasing the branch'
+      end
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+        before do
+          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:use_pr_comments?).and_return(true)
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
+        end
+        # does not post a message nor a pr comment (github reports "merged" event via webhook)'
+        it_behaves_like 'releasing the branch'
       end
     end
 
     context 'when the branch is not in last_known_good_staging' do
-      context 'and enforce_staging_before_release = true' do
+      context 'when enforce_staging_before_release = true' do
         let(:branches_in_last_known_good_staging) { ['another-branch'] }
         before do
           expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:enforce_staging_before_release?).and_return(true)
@@ -204,16 +280,16 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
           expect { Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release'] }.to raise_error(RuntimeError, 'Cannot release FOO unless it has already been promoted separately to staging and the build has passed.')
         end
       end
-      context 'and enforce_staging_before_release = false' do
+      context 'when enforce_staging_before_release = false' do
         let(:branches_in_last_known_good_staging) { ['another-branch'] }
         before do
-          stub_message "#worklog releasing FOO to master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+          expect_message "#worklog releasing FOO to master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
           expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:enforce_staging_before_release?).and_return(false)
           expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:yes?).and_return(true)
           expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:cleanup)
           Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
         end
-        it 'should run expected commands' do
+        it do
           expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
             "git pull origin FOO",
             "git pull origin master",
@@ -235,9 +311,9 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
 
     context 'with reserved_branches via config file' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog releasing FOO to master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+        expect_message "#worklog releasing FOO to master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:yes?).and_return(true)
-        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return( { 'reserved_branches' => ['dont-del-me','dont-del-me-2'] })
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return('reserved_branches' => ['dont-del-me', 'dont-del-me-2'])
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:cleanup)
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
       end
@@ -248,19 +324,16 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
     end
 
     context 'with alternative base branch via config file' do
-      before do
-        stub_message "#worklog releasing FOO to special-master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+      it do
+        expect_message "#worklog releasing FOO to special-master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
 
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:yes?).and_return(true)
-        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return( { 'base_branch' => 'special-master' })
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return('base_branch' => 'special-master')
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:cleanup)
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
-      end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it "treats the alternative base branch as reserved" do
+
         expect(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.new.send(:reserved_branches)).to include 'special-master'
-      end
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
+
         expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
           "git branch -D last_known_good_staging",
           "git fetch origin",
@@ -285,7 +358,7 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
 
     context 'with alternative base branch via environment variable' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog releasing FOO to special-master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+        expect_message "#worklog releasing FOO to special-master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
 
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:yes?).and_return(true)
         allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return({})
@@ -296,11 +369,9 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
       after do
         ENV.delete('BASE_BRANCH')
       end
-      it "treats the alternative base branch as reserved" do
+      it do
         expect(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.new.send(:reserved_branches)).to include 'special-master'
-      end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
+
         expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
           "git branch -D last_known_good_staging",
           "git fetch origin",
@@ -325,10 +396,10 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
 
     context 'with alternative base branch via environment variable overriding base branch in config' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog releasing FOO to special-master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+        expect_message "#worklog releasing FOO to special-master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
 
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:yes?).and_return(true)
-        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return({ 'base_branch' => 'extra-special-master' })
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return('base_branch' => 'extra-special-master')
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:cleanup)
         ENV['BASE_BRANCH'] = 'special-master'
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['release']
@@ -339,9 +410,7 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
       it "treats the alternative base branch as reserved" do
         expect(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.new.send(:reserved_branches)).to include 'special-master'
         expect(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.new.send(:reserved_branches)).to include 'extra-special-master'
-      end
-      it 'should post message to socialcast' do end # see expectations
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
+
         expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
           "git branch -D last_known_good_staging",
           "git fetch origin",
@@ -410,10 +479,10 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
     before { allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:branches).and_return([]) }
     context 'when target branch == staging and --destination == last_known_good_staging' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog resetting staging branch to last_known_good_staging in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+        expect_message "#worklog resetting staging branch to last_known_good_staging in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['nuke', 'staging', '--destination', 'last_known_good_staging']
       end
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
+      it do
         expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
           "git checkout master",
           "git branch -D last_known_good_staging",
@@ -430,12 +499,12 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
     end
     context 'when target branch == qa and destination prompt == nil and using custom aggregate_branches config' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog resetting qa branch to last_known_good_qa in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
-        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return( { 'aggregate_branches' => ['staging', 'qa'] })
+        expect_message "#worklog resetting qa branch to last_known_good_qa in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return('aggregate_branches' => ['staging', 'qa'])
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:ask).and_return('')
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['nuke', 'qa']
       end
-      it 'defaults to last_known_good_qa and should run expected commands' do
+      it 'defaults to last_known_good_qa' do
         expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
           "git checkout master",
           "git branch -D last_known_good_qa",
@@ -452,12 +521,12 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
     end
     context 'when target branch == qa and destination prompt = master and using custom aggregate_branches config' do
       before do
-        stub_message "#worklog resetting qa branch to last_known_good_master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
-        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return( { 'aggregate_branches' => ['staging', 'qa'] })
+        expect_message "#worklog resetting qa branch to last_known_good_master in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return('aggregate_branches' => ['staging', 'qa'])
         expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:ask).and_return('master')
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['nuke', 'qa']
       end
-      it 'should run expected commands' do
+      it do
         expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
           "git checkout master",
           "git branch -D last_known_good_master",
@@ -483,17 +552,17 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
       end
     end
     it 'raises an error when target branch is not an aggregate branch' do
+      expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:ask).and_return('master')
       expect {
-        expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:ask).and_return('master')
         Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['nuke', 'asdfasdf']
       }.to raise_error(/Only aggregate branches are allowed to be reset/)
     end
   end
 
   describe '#backportpr' do
-    before do
+    let(:pr_response) do
       # https://developer.github.com/v3/search/#search-issues
-      pr_response = {
+      {
         "url" => "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/59",
         "id" => 13712197,
         "html_url" => "https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pull/59",
@@ -792,8 +861,9 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
         "deletions" => 2,
         "changed_files" => 2
       }
-
-      commits_response = [
+    end
+    let(:commits_response) do
+      [
         {
           "sha" => "5e30d5af3f4d1bb3a34cc97568299be028b65f6f",
           "commit" => {
@@ -865,30 +935,87 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
           ]
         }
       ]
+    end
+    let!(:github_pr_show) do
+      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/59")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => pr_response.to_json, :headers => {})
+    end
+    let!(:github_pr_commits_list) do
+      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/59/commits")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => commits_response.to_json, :headers => {})
+    end
+    let!(:github_pr_create) do
+      stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls")
+        .with(:body => "{\"title\":\"backport_59_to_v1.x\",\"base\":\"v1.x\",\"head\":\"backport_59_to_v1.x\",\"body\":\"Backport #59 to https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/tree/v1.x\\n***\\nsimply testing this out\"}")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => '{"html_url": "https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/60", "issue_url": "https://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/60"}', :headers => { 'Content-Type' => 'application/json' })
+    end
+    let!(:github_pr_comment_create) do
+      stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/60/comments")
+        .with(:body => "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest backport /cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "{}", :headers => {})
+    end
+    let!(:socialcast_message_create) do
+      stub_request(:post, "https://testuser:testpassword@testdomain/api/messages.json")
+        .with(:body => "{\"message\":{\"url\":\"https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/60\",\"message_type\":\"review_request\",\"body\":\"#reviewrequest backport #59 to v1.x in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\\n\\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers\"}}")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "", :headers => {})
+    end
+    before do
+      expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:backportpr).and_call_original
+      allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:use_pr_comments?).and_return(use_pr_comments)
+    end
+    context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+      let(:use_pr_comments) { false }
+      it 'creates a branch based on v1.x and cherry-picks in PR 59' do
+        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['backportpr', '59', 'v1.x']
+        expect(github_pr_show).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_pr_commits_list).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_pr_create).to have_been_requested
 
-      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/59").
-        with(:headers => { 'Accept' => 'application/json', 'Accept-Encoding' => 'gzip, deflate', 'Authorization' => /token\s\w+/, 'Content-Type' => 'application/json', 'User-Agent' => 'socialcast-git-extensions' }).
-        to_return(:status => 200, :body => pr_response.to_json, :headers => {})
-      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/59/commits").
-        with(:headers => { 'Accept' => 'application/json', 'Accept-Encoding' => 'gzip, deflate', 'Authorization' => /token\s\w+/, 'Content-Type' => 'application/json', 'User-Agent' => 'socialcast-git-extensions' }).
-        to_return(:status => 200, :body => commits_response.to_json, :headers => {})
-      stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls").
-         with(:body => "{\"title\":\"backport_59_to_v1.x\",\"base\":\"v1.x\",\"head\":\"backport_59_to_v1.x\",\"body\":\"Backport #59 to https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/tree/v1.x\\n***\\nsimply testing this out\"}",
-              :headers => { 'Accept' => 'application/json', 'Accept-Encoding' => 'gzip, deflate', 'Authorization' => /token\s\w+/, 'Content-Type' => 'application/json', 'User-Agent'=>'socialcast-git-extensions' }).
-         to_return(:status => 200, :body => '{"html_url": "https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/60"}', :headers => { 'Content-Type' => 'application/json' })
+        expect(github_pr_comment_create).to_not have_been_requested
+        expect(socialcast_message_create).to have_been_requested
+      end
+    end
+    context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+      let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+      it 'posts a pr comment instead of posting a socialcast message' do
+        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['backportpr', '59', 'v1.x']
+        expect(github_pr_show).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_pr_commits_list).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_pr_create).to have_been_requested
 
-      stub_message "#reviewrequest backport #59 to v1.x in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers", :url => 'https://github.com/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls/60', :message_type => 'review_request'
+        expect(github_pr_comment_create).to have_been_requested
+        expect(socialcast_message_create).to_not have_been_requested
+      end
+    end
+    context 'when a backport reviewer is configured' do
+      before do
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:github_track_reviewer).with('Backport').and_return('janedoe')
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:socialcast_track_reviewer).with('Backport').and_return('JaneDoe')
+      end
+      let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+      let!(:github_pr_comment_create) do
+        stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/60/comments")
+          .with(:body => "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest backport @JaneDoe /cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}")
+          .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "{}", :headers => {})
+      end
+      let!(:github_assign_pr) { stub_request(:patch, "https://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/60").to_return(:status => 200) }
+      it 'mentions the track reviewer' do
+        Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['backportpr', '59', 'v1.x']
+        expect(github_pr_show).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_pr_commits_list).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_pr_create).to have_been_requested
+        expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
 
-      expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:backportpr).and_call_original
-      Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['backportpr', '59', 'v1.x']
+        expect(github_pr_comment_create).to have_been_requested
+        expect(socialcast_message_create).to_not have_been_requested
+      end
     end
-    it 'creates a branch based on v1.x and cherry-picks in PR 59' do end
   end
 
   describe '#findpr' do
-    before do
+    let(:issue_response) do
       # https://developer.github.com/v3/search/#search-issues
-      stub_response = {
+      {
         "total_count"=> 280,
         "items"=> [{
                      "url" => "https://api.github.com/repos/batterseapower/pinyin-toolkit/issues/132",
@@ -938,98 +1065,300 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
                      "score" => 1.3859273
                    }]
       }
-
-      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/search/issues?q=abc123%20type:pr%20repo:socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions").
-        with(:headers => { 'Accept' => 'application/json', 'Accept-Encoding' => 'gzip, deflate', 'Authorization' => /token\s\w+/, 'Content-Type' => 'application/json', 'User-Agent' => 'socialcast-git-extensions'}).
-        to_return(:status => 200, :body => stub_response.to_json, :headers => {})
+    end
+    let!(:github_issue_search) do
+      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/search/issues?q=abc123%20type:pr%20repo:socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => issue_response.to_json, :headers => {})
+    end
+    it do
       expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:findpr).and_call_original
       allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:say).with("Searching github pull requests for abc123")
       allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:say).with("\nhttps://github.com/batterseapower/pinyin-toolkit/issues/132\n\tLine Number Indexes Beyond 20 Not Displayed\n\tNick3C 2009-07-12T20:10:41Z")
       Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['findpr', 'abc123']
+      expect(github_issue_search).to have_been_requested
     end
-    it 'fetches the data from github and prints it out' do end
   end
 
   describe '#reviewrequest' do
+    let!(:github_create_pr) do
+      stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q({"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1", "issue_url": "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1"}), :headers => {})
+    end
+    let!(:github_find_pr_for_branch) do
+      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls?head=socialcast:FOO")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q([{"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1", "issue_url": "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1", "body":"testing"}]), :headers => {})
+    end
+    let(:stub_github_create_pr_comment) do
+      stub_request(:post, "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1/comments")
+        .with(:body => pr_comment_body)
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "{}", :headers => {})
+    end
+    let(:use_pr_comments) { false }
+    before do
+      stub_github_create_pr_comment
+      allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:use_pr_comments?).and_return(use_pr_comments)
+      allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:changelog_summary).and_return('1 file changed')
+    end
     context 'when there are no review_buddies specified' do
       before do
         allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config_file).and_return(Pathname(''))
       end
-      context 'when description != nil' do
-        before do
-          stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls").
-            to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q({"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1"}), :headers => {})
-
-          stub_message "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 \n\ntesting\n\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed", :message_type => 'review_request'
-          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:changelog_summary).and_return('1 file changed')
+      let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest \\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}" }
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+        it do
+          expect_message "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 \n\ntesting\n\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed", :message_type => 'review_request'
           Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+          expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+          expect(github_find_pr_for_branch).to have_been_requested
+
+          expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
         end
-        it 'should create github pull request' do end # see expectations
-        it 'should post socialcast message' do end # see expectations
-        it 'should run expected commands' do
-          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-            "git pull origin FOO",
-            "git pull origin master",
-            "git push origin HEAD"
-          ])
+      end
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+        let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+        it do
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+          expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+          expect(github_find_pr_for_branch).to have_been_requested
+
+          expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
         end
       end
     end
 
     context 'when review_buddies are specified via a /config YML file' do
+      let!(:github_assign_pr) { stub_request(:patch, "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1").to_return(:status => 200) }
       before do
-        stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls").
-          to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q({"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1", "issue_url": "http://github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1"}), :headers => {})
-        stub_request(:patch, "http://github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1").to_return(:status => 200)
         allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:socialcast_review_buddy).and_return('JaneDoe')
-        end
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:github_review_buddy).and_return('janedoe')
+      end
       context 'and additional reviewers are specified' do
         let(:message_body) { "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 assigned to @JaneDoe\n\ntesting\n\nAssigned additionally to @JohnSmith for API review\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed" }
-        before do
-          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:changelog_summary).and_return('1 file changed')
-          stub_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
-          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-a', 'a']
+        let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest assigned to @JaneDoe \\nAssigned additionally to @JohnSmith for API review \\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}" }
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+          it do
+            expect_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-a', 'a']
+
+            expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+            expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+          end
         end
-        it 'should create github pull request' do end # see expectations
-        it 'should post socialcast message' do end # see expectations
-        it 'should run expected commands' do
-          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
-            "git pull origin FOO",
-            "git pull origin master",
-            "git push origin HEAD"
-          ])
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+          let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+          it do
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-a', 'a']
+
+            expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+            expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+          end
         end
       end
       context 'and a developer group is specified' do
         let(:message_body) { "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 assigned to @JaneDoe\n\ntesting\n\n/cc @#{another_group} #scgitx\n\n1 file changed" }
+        let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest assigned to @JaneDoe \\n/cc @#{another_group} #scgitx\"}" }
         let(:another_group) { 'AnotherDeveloperGroup' }
         before do
-          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:changelog_summary).and_return('1 file changed')
           allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return({'developer_group' => another_group})
-          stub_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
-          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
         end
-        it 'should create github pull request with a different group mentioned' do end # see expectations
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+          it do
+            expect_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+            expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+          let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+          it do
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+            expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
       end
       context 'and additional reviewers are not specified' do
         let(:message_body) { "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 assigned to @JaneDoe\n\ntesting\n\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed" }
+        let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest assigned to @JaneDoe \\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}" }
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+          it do
+            expect_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+            expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+          let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+          it do
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+            expect(github_create_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe '#createpr' do
+    let!(:github_pr_create) do
+      stub_request(:post, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q({"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1", "issue_url": "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1"}), :headers => {})
+    end
+    it do
+      Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['createpr', '--description', 'testing']
+
+      expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq git_update_commands
+      expect(github_pr_create).to have_been_requested
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe '#assignpr' do
+    let!(:github_find_pr_for_branch) do
+      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls?head=socialcast:FOO")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => %q([{"html_url": "http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1", "issue_url": "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1", "body":"testing"}]), :headers => {})
+    end
+    let(:stub_github_create_pr_comment) do
+      stub_request(:post, "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1/comments")
+        .with(:body => pr_comment_body)
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "{}", :headers => {})
+    end
+    let(:use_pr_comments) { false }
+    before do
+      stub_github_create_pr_comment
+      allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:use_pr_comments?).and_return(use_pr_comments)
+      allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:changelog_summary).and_return('1 file changed')
+    end
+    context 'when there are no review_buddies specified' do
+      before do
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config_file).and_return(Pathname(''))
+      end
+      let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest \\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}" }
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+        it do
+          expect_message "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 \n\ntesting\n\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed", :message_type => 'review_request'
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-s']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+          expect(github_find_pr_for_branch).to have_been_requested
+
+          expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+        end
+      end
+      context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+        let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+        it do
+          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-s']
+
+          expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+          expect(github_find_pr_for_branch).to have_been_requested
+
+          expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+        end
+      end
+    end
+
+    context 'when review_buddies are specified via a /config YML file' do
+      let!(:github_assign_pr) { stub_request(:patch, "http://api.github.com/repos/repo/project/issues/1").to_return(:status => 200) }
+      before do
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:socialcast_review_buddy).and_return('JaneDoe')
+        allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:github_review_buddy).and_return('janedoe')
+      end
+      context 'and additional reviewers are specified' do
+        let(:message_body) { "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 assigned to @JaneDoe\n\ntesting\n\nAssigned additionally to @JohnSmith for API review\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed" }
+        let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest assigned to @JaneDoe \\nAssigned additionally to @JohnSmith for API review \\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}" }
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+          it do
+            expect_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-a', 'a']
+
+            expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+          let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+          it do
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-a', 'a']
+
+            expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq(git_update_commands)
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+      end
+      context 'and a developer group is specified' do
+        let(:message_body) { "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 assigned to @JaneDoe\n\ntesting\n\n/cc @#{another_group} #scgitx\n\n1 file changed" }
+        let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest assigned to @JaneDoe \\n/cc @#{another_group} #scgitx\"}" }
+        let(:another_group) { 'AnotherDeveloperGroup' }
         before do
-          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:changelog_summary).and_return('1 file changed')
-          stub_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
-          Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['reviewrequest', '--description', 'testing', '-s']
+          allow_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:config).and_return({'developer_group' => another_group})
+        end
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+          it do
+            expect_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-s']
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+          let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+          it do
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-s']
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+      end
+      context 'and additional reviewers are not specified' do
+        let(:message_body) { "#reviewrequest for FOO in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions\nPR http://github.com/repo/project/pulls/1 assigned to @JaneDoe\n\ntesting\n\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\n\n1 file changed" }
+        let(:pr_comment_body) { "{\"body\":\"#reviewrequest assigned to @JaneDoe \\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers #scgitx\"}" }
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is false' do
+          it do
+            expect_message message_body, :message_type => 'review_request'
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-s']
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to_not have_been_requested
+          end
+        end
+        context 'when use_pr_comments? is true' do
+          let(:use_pr_comments) { true }
+          it do
+            Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['assignpr', '-s']
+            expect(github_assign_pr).to have_been_requested
+            expect(stub_github_create_pr_comment).to have_been_requested
+          end
         end
-        it 'should create github pull request' do end # see expectations
       end
     end
   end
 
   describe '#promote' do
     before do
-      stub_message "#worklog integrating FOO into staging in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
-      Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['promote']
+      stub_request(:get, "https://api.github.com/repos/socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions/pulls?head=socialcast:FOO")
+        .to_return(:status => 200, :body => "[]", :headers => {})
     end
-    it 'should integrate into staging' do
-      expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
+    let(:staging_integration_commands) do
+      [
         "git pull origin FOO",
         "git pull origin master",
         "git push origin HEAD",
@@ -1046,7 +1375,12 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
         "git push origin HEAD",
         "git checkout staging",
         "git checkout FOO"
-      ])
+      ]
+    end
+    it do
+      expect_message "#worklog integrating FOO into staging in socialcast/socialcast-git-extensions #scgitx\n/cc @SocialcastDevelopers"
+      Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['promote']
+      expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq staging_integration_commands
     end
   end
 
@@ -1056,7 +1390,7 @@ def stub_message(message_body, params = {})
       expect_any_instance_of(Socialcast::Gitx::CLI).to receive(:branches).with(:merged => true).and_return(['staging', 'bazquux', 'last_known_good_prototype'])
       Socialcast::Gitx::CLI.start ['cleanup']
     end
-    it 'should only cleanup non-reserved branches' do
+    it 'only cleans up non-reserved branches' do
       expect(stubbed_executed_commands).to eq([
         "git checkout master",
         "git pull",
diff --git a/spec/github_spec.rb b/spec/github_spec.rb
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e386b4e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/github_spec.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,98 @@
+require 'spec_helper'
+
+describe Socialcast::Gitx::Github do
+  let(:test_class) do
+    Class.new do |k|
+      include Socialcast::Gitx::Github
+
+      def say(message); end
+    end
+  end
+  let(:said_messages) { [] }
+  before do
+    stub_const('TestClass', test_class)
+    allow_any_instance_of(TestClass).to receive(:'`') do |_instance, _cmd|
+      raise 'Unstubbed backticks detected'
+    end
+    allow_any_instance_of(TestClass).to receive(:say) do |_instance, message|
+      said_messages << message
+    end
+  end
+  let(:test_instance) { TestClass.new }
+  let(:branch) { 'my-branch' }
+  let(:base_branch) { 'master' }
+  let(:repo) { 'ownername/projectname' }
+
+  describe '#create_pull_request' do
+    subject { test_instance.send(:create_pull_request, branch, repo, body) }
+    let(:create_pr_payload) do
+      {
+        :title => branch,
+        :base => base_branch,
+        :head => branch,
+        :body => body
+      }
+    end
+    let(:dummy_pr_created_response) { { :dummy => :response } }
+    let(:body) { 'This is my pull request.' }
+    before do
+      allow(test_instance).to receive(:base_branch).and_return(base_branch)
+      expect(test_instance).to receive(:github_api_request).with('POST', 'repos/ownername/projectname/pulls', create_pr_payload.to_json).and_return(dummy_pr_created_response)
+    end
+    it { is_expected.to eq dummy_pr_created_response }
+  end
+
+  describe '#pull_requests_for_branch' do
+    subject { test_instance.send(:pull_requests_for_branch, repo, branch) }
+    let(:dummy_pr_list_response) { [{ :dummy => :response }] }
+    before do
+      expect(test_instance).to receive(:github_api_request).with('GET', 'repos/ownername/projectname/pulls?head=ownername:my-branch').and_return(dummy_pr_list_response)
+    end
+    it { is_expected.to eq dummy_pr_list_response }
+  end
+
+  describe '#current_pr_for_branch' do
+    subject(:current_pr) { test_instance.send(:current_pr_for_branch, repo, branch) }
+    let(:dummy_pr_one) { { :dummy => :pr1 } }
+    let(:dummy_pr_two) { { :dummy => :pr2 } }
+    before do
+      expect(test_instance).to receive(:pull_requests_for_branch).with(repo, branch).and_return(dummy_pr_list_response)
+    end
+    context 'when an empty pr list is returned' do
+      let(:dummy_pr_list_response) { [] }
+      it { is_expected.to be_nil }
+    end
+    context 'when a single pr is returned' do
+      let(:dummy_pr_list_response) { [dummy_pr_one] }
+      it { is_expected.to eq dummy_pr_one }
+    end
+    context 'when multiple prs are returned' do
+      let(:dummy_pr_list_response) { [dummy_pr_one, dummy_pr_two] }
+      it { expect { current_pr }.to raise_error 'Multiple (2) open PRs for my-branch found in ownername/projectname, unable to proceed' }
+    end
+  end
+
+  describe '#assign_pull_request' do
+    subject { test_instance.send(:assign_pull_request, assignee, issue_url) }
+    let(:assignee) { 'janedoe' }
+    let(:issue_url) { 'repos/ownername/projectname/issues/1' }
+    let(:dummy_assignment_response) { [{ :dummy => :response }] }
+    let(:assign_payload) { { :assignee => assignee } }
+    before do
+      expect(test_instance).to receive(:github_api_request).with('PATCH', 'repos/ownername/projectname/issues/1', assign_payload.to_json).and_return(dummy_assignment_response)
+    end
+    it { is_expected.to eq dummy_assignment_response }
+  end
+
+  describe '#comment_on_issue' do
+    subject { test_instance.send(:comment_on_issue, issue_url, comment_body) }
+    let(:issue_url) { 'repos/ownername/projectname/issues/1' }
+    let(:dummy_comment_response) { { :dummy => :response } }
+    let(:comment_payload) { { :body => comment_body } }
+    let(:comment_body) { 'Integrating into staging' }
+    before do
+      expect(test_instance).to receive(:github_api_request).with('POST', 'repos/ownername/projectname/issues/1/comments', comment_payload.to_json).and_return(dummy_comment_response)
+    end
+    it { is_expected.to eq dummy_comment_response }
+  end
+end
diff --git a/spec/spec_helper.rb b/spec/spec_helper.rb
index 1070a31..f7a0308 100644
--- a/spec/spec_helper.rb
+++ b/spec/spec_helper.rb
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 require 'rspec/mocks'
 require 'webmock/rspec'
 require 'pry'
-
+require 'byebug'
 require 'socialcast-git-extensions/cli'
 
 ENV['SCGITX_TEST'] = 'true'