Most online Message Boards, also known as “Forums” have a feature what is commonly referred to as a “Private Message.” A private message is no different than another type of online conversation utility that similar social networking platforms utilize for their users. These private messages, are private conversations between you and another person or between you and a group of people. These private messages are typically stored in a database where ever the server is located, usually the server that runs your forum or website and hosts your domain name is the server that runs the private message functions.
FOLDER SPACE
Typically there is an allocated(maximum) limit that webmasters set for users of private messages, better known as (Private Message Space) “pm inbox/outbox/sent space.” Occasionally a webmaster will reward their active members with additional private message space to hold more messages, say, 100 total messages in all folders, versus 75 total messages in all folders…rewarding those specific users for staying active in the forum.
FEATURES
A private message utility is similar in function to a run of the mill email service that you would typically find through home internet service providers. The main difference between private messages on forums and emails via home internet service providers, are private messages are typically free, unlike some home internet email service providers which charge an arm and a leg to their customers.
There are several features that most private message utilities feature, such as the ability for the forums’ users to compose a private message. Composing a private message to another user of the forums is akin to composing an email to another user who uses email as a form of online communication. Some private message utilities feature the ability for the forums’ users to track their private messages. They would typically have the ability to track all their messages that have been drafted, sent, in the outbox folder, in the inbox folder, and in the trash can or spam folder.
Occasionally you will see some webmasters allow their forum users to edit their private message folders, allowing them to rename, reshuffle, create, edit, and delete their private message folders.
Private messaging can be a great benefit to users of forums who could quickly message a buddy of theirs with out having to log in to a separate email utility to compose and send the message.
Discussion Topic: Private Messages Explained
