Webuser Forums: Sending and Receiving Private Messages

Private Messages are a way of communicating with other members without having to post a publicly viewable message.

Each time you log on you are taken to your 'Home' section where any new private messages will be listed. In addition, if you received a private message whilst you are logged in, a flashing envelope will appear in the menu Bar. Further, if selected in your User Settings, whenever you receive a private message, you will be emailed to let you know.

Private messages are listed down the page and the following summary information is shown:

The message status.

The message subject (click on it to view the message).

The sender's name (click on it to view the user's profile).

When the message was received.

A check box for selecting messages that you want to delete.

Reading Private Messages
To read a private message simply click on the subject of the message.
When the message is displayed you have the option to reply to it, delete it or return to your 'Home' section.

Sending Private Messages
When sending a private message you need to supply the username of the person the message is going to.
You may select the User from your Address Book or enter it manually and optionally add this new entry to your Address Book. If the username is not valid you will be told when you try to submit the message. If you are creating a private message from a user profile then the username will be filled in for you.

Enter a subject for the message and finally enter the message itself.

You have these options when sending:

keep a copy of your message in your "Sent Messages" section.

receive a read receipt - as soon as the recipient reads the message, you will get an automatic message back entitled "Read Receipt" to let you know the message has been viewed.

preview the message before it's sent - you can go back and make any changes, or continue from there to send it.

Deleting Private Messages
If you are viewing your 'Home' section then read private messages can be deleted by checking the Delete column for each private message you want to delete. There are also buttons to check or uncheck them all at once. Finally click the 'Delete Checked' button.
If you are viewing a private message then you have the option of deleting it immediately.

The Status Codes
To the left hand side of each message shown on your 'Home' page you will see a one letter code. These stand for:
N - A new message.
R - You have replied to the message.
No Code - You have read the message but you have not replied.

Paul Lomax
Internet Technology Manager
IPC Country and Leisure Media

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