PMs-Private vs. Profile Messages

[Jack]

There seems to be a bit of misunderstanding (based on what I've read on a few profiles) about the difference between Private Messages and Profile Messages.

Private Messages are akin to emails, except they can only be written, sent and read from within the forum. Private Messages are not visible to other forum members.

Profiles Messages are posts to a member's profile. These can be read by any registered forum member and are subject to the forum rules like any other post.

If you want to send a message to another member that cannot be seen by anyone but the two of you, you want to send a Private Message.

If you want to leave a message for another member that can be read by anyone logged in to the forum, you want to leave a Profile Message.

I hope that helps clarify the difference between the two forms of forum messaging. If you have any questions about how to use features of the forum, please post your question to the Site Operations forum and we'll attempt to provide a satisfactory explanation.

As the rules state, questions regarding moderation or forum policies should be posed via PM. That's Private Message, not Profile Message.

[Nono]

OK, I've never had trouble understanding this distinction.

But what I don't understand is why one can't send the same message to multiple recipients (heck, even two would save time and trouble sometimes).
Is there any reason for this, or is it just an arbitrary setting?

[Jack]

That's generally a setting in the software. I suspect it's set to the minimum number of recipients to avoid spammers using the system to broadcast their messages. That's how I did it on my own forum.

[Praxius]

That's generally a setting in the software. I suspect it's set to the minimum number of recipients to avoid spammers using the system to broadcast their messages. That's how I did it on my own forum.

Why do we even have a Profile Message Board?

I mean, besides Private Messages, one can post in threads or topics (so long as it relates or does side track too much.) If it doesn't relate, then go back to Private Messages.

I just personally feel it's additional clutter in my profile that's not really needed as the forum works just fine, and private messages work just fine..... Much of what is on my profile message board is just typical things I get in my PM in the first place, that I don't really need to advertise for all to see because they don't really do anything.

[Cruella]

You can switch it off, if you like, just as you can also limit who posts on them. If you have a look at your user control panel, you're able to adjust any and all of the settings, just as you wish.

[Praxius]

Ah, fair enough.... must have missed that when I was out in about a few months ago.

[Cruella]

A reminder post - profile messages are NOT private. Please bear in mind than infractions can and will be issued to people using the profile messaging system to violate site policies.

There is a private messaging system in place for a reason, please try to bear in mind that all profile messages are visible to every member of this site, and can incur penalties if misused.

Thank you.