Why may I not send private messages to anyone but ATS Staff?

Someone else was able to send me one, but I am not able to reply. How can this problem be fixed?

a reply to: twentyoneawatcher

I haven't tried yet, but I think you have to be here a while or have a certain amount of posts or threads in order to do it.

we dont want to know, let the staf sort it out.
but like someone said its just ats;s archaic post/reward system, i dont get it either.

I tried the box showed up. But the advertising ad 're direct didn't show but did when I opened the thread. It does with every thread.

You have to have I think 20 posts or so before you can send private messages. It's not archaic...it's a method of spam prevention. Many forums do this with a lot of success. You shouldn't have any trouble reaching 20 posts on ATS either.

See also this thread:
www.abovetopsecret.com...

We have a private message system at ATS, these are u2u's. When you get one your Members Center box in your tool bar will be flashing red, just click on it. You also go there to send a u2u. You have to have 20 posts before sending to other members but you can message the staff at any time.

a reply to: Shugo

Thank you, I was not aware of this policy.

bah...always with the must have more posts...now, rather than provide decent and thoughtful posts, I need to spam posts to reach a certain number just so I can reply to a PM. THAT is a waste and detriment.

a reply to: wtfatta

Having been on the other side of the wall (as a mod) and seen the potential for abuse via private messaging....no, I assure you there are EXCELLENT reasons for this restriction, and requiring a member who has something vested here, before PM'ing folks.

a reply to: Gazrok

How about lifting some restrictions so that if someone PM's you, you can at least respond so you don't come across as unduly rude. I understand the need to wait for new members to be able to PM someone else, but wouldn't it make sense to be able to allow someone to respond to a PM from someone else?

originally posted by: wtfatta
bah...always with the must have more posts...now, rather than provide decent and thoughtful posts, I need to spam posts to reach a certain number just so I can reply to a PM. THAT is a waste and detriment.

if you don't like the rules, you're free to leave.

a reply to: wtfatta

Really? Is it that hard to make a thoughtful response to a thread comment?

There are some very good reasons for the rule.

a reply to: seagull

As I said to Gazrok, I understand the need. What I don't understand is why you can't respond to someone who PM'd you first.

a reply to: jimmyx

Or I can point out that preventing someone from responding to a PM started by someone else is problematic and hope that the rules will be changed as a result. Rules have always been adjusted as things change. If you don't like that, you can leave I guess? But my saying that and you doing that doesn't help anything does it?

Mind if I spam this post then? Lol a reply to: Shugo

a reply to: wtfatta


Agreed!

SPAM