*** PM Limits For New Members Lifted ***

[GreyGoose]

Greeting Members...

Private messages have been liberated. Let freedom ring .

For the better part of a year or more members were required to create 10 (and then later, 5) meaningful posts before they could send or receive private messages. Also, new members were allowed to create and view their own profiles but not the profiles of other members. This was done in an attempt to prevent unwanted PM spam, discourage "profile harvesting" of member names (emails are hidden by default regardless) and encourage posting.

Well, we tried this "experiment" and discovered that the only purpose it served was to confuse new members who were bewildered and frustrated that they could not send or receive private messages to or from staff or other members or even view the profiles of staff or other members to obtain contact information so they could send private messages in the first place. Since it is important that new members have access to the PM system in case they have questions about how to use the site or need help and support from staff, I have decided to FULLY open the PM system.

Not only that, but I have also increased the PM-per-hour limit from 3 to 5 and opened up profiles for viewing by all members (not just members with over 5 posts).

I hope this helps make the forum a less restrictive and more free environment for people to communicate and support each other.

- Regards. GreyGoose