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Posted By: Gypsy FAQ - Messages (Private Messages) - Mon 26/01/09 15:13 UTC
MESSAGES

New messages received are highlighted by a flashing envolope next to 'My Stuff' on the main top menu bar. This will continue to flash until you have viewed all unread messages. Unread messages are marked with a yellow folder. Read messages are marked with a white folder.

Initial Page
Messages or Private Messages can be accessed via 'My Stuff' on the main task bar.

When you first enter Messages, you will see a list of the topic threads for any messages sent or received on that thread, assuming you have any of course.

Clicking on the topic header for any message thread will bring up the thread and a quick reply box for you to respond.

There are also buttons at the bottom of the list of PM topics which help with the management of your PMs. These are self explanatory and apply the select check boxes to the right of your PMs. Please note that the 'Email checked' button sends the whole PM thread to your registered email. Very useful for archiving material. There is also an additional option attached to the email feature called 'then delete'. Unfortunately this does not display well, appearing on two lines but if checked does delete the PM automatically as it is emailed. This probably should not be used for any ongoing thread.

We would encourage you to keep your PMs to a minimum.

If you want to remove yourself from a topic that has a number of recipients, open the message thread and click on the 'Remove myself from this topic' button at the top.

Sending PMs
To send a new PM click on 'New Private Message' top left on the 'Messages' header. Simply type in the member's displayed name (not case sensitive), subject and message and click 'Submit'. There is a preview option available.

If you are unsure of the spelling of the user name, you can go to the User List in the main task bar, click on the 'Display Name' to order the list alphabetically and then click on the member's name. Once in their profile, thete is a 'Contact This User' section (bottom left) the first option of which is to 'Send a Private Message'. Click on this and it will take you into Messages with the recipient listed below the 'Add Recipient' Box.

If you get the message 'is over their Private Topic limit' when you post your PM, then the Recipients name that you typed/selected is incorrect in some detail, though names are not case sensitive. If however there is a members name listed before 'is over their Private Topic limit' then they have exceeded their quota. This might be true initially when the forum switches over because one of the issues from the upgrade is that previously deleted messages have been reinstated and will need to be cleared out by the member.

If your PM is sent successfully you will have a quick reply box displayed with your message above.

PMs can now be sent to up to 10 people not just one and all replies to that thread go to everyone on the initial list. It displays as a topic thread, rather than as messages sent and messages received.

One of the nicest ways to select multiple recipients is to select from your Buddy List.

To create a Buddy List, go to the User List in the main task bar, click on the 'Display Name' to order the list alphabetically and then click on the member's name. Once in their profile, thete is a bar at the bottom of the first Profile area and 'Add to UBB Buddies' is the first option. Click this link. This option changes to 'Remove from UBB Buddies' after you have added that person so you can remove them later if you wish.

You might like to add a number of members, people you are likely to PM regularly. This feature could be useful for GMs to discuss issues with several players or for other groups such as our ACRO players.

Once you have set up your 'Buddies', go to 'My Stuff' and select 'Messages' then 'New Private Message' (Message tool bar top left). Now you can use the drop down arrow next to the 'Buddy List' box and select the buddy you want, clicking the 'Add' button and repeating until you have up to ten buddies that you want to PM. As you add then, their names will appear under the 'Add Recipient' box. Then send the message in the usual way.

General
The limit on PMs previously was 50 posts which we know some members found restrictive. It is now 200 topics! grin However we would still encourage you to clear out unwanted PMs as you go.
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