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I thought that msg goes to the persons email address but I could be wrong.
@JohnChisum, @MikeM, please see below. When you click on a person's name to send them a "Private Message", you get taken to a rectangular box where you can send that message. But apparently it is not private. One MFOer recently told me he could read all the PM's that had been sent to me
@MikeM, it would be great if it did go to a person's email address.
I checked my profile and there is nothing there. Actually it says "nothing happening here." It I have sent and received PMs. On the other hand I did see messages on others profiles. It appears to be random.
I do see that. It wasn't clear before. People click on a name to send a pm and a box pops up. The assumption is that's the place to write the pm. But that is not the case.
Unfortunately, it's really bad UI if you need to read the documentation in order to use the private messaging function. I've used messaging on other forums and the implementation is as lot clearer. Having an "Add Comment" box on another member's profile page makes no sense to me - what are you commenting on? Is there any way to modify this page so it's clear the "Message" button allows you to send a PM?
> it's really bad UI if you need to read the documentation in order to use the private messaging function.
Perhaps, but .... I highly suggest you read the documentation, if you want to get the most out of the forum. Despite you wanting everything to be intuitive. The software is what is, and the documentation is there for you. While it may not be an excuse for "bad UI", you still have an option, and that is your choice, read the docs, or don't.
This is the first time anyone reported the issue. The minute I used the software, it was obvious to me, consequently, it wasn't obvious to me it wasn't obvious to you. So unless there is a squeaky wheel like rjb112, not much can be done, since most people are not mind readers. And I certainly am not good at mind-reading or forseeing which way the market will go.
As I said, I added a message, if it wasn't obvious, since it appears it wasn't obvious to at least a few of you.
I do try to help the site out, once in a while. And I have to get permission to change things or requests from Chip or David.
So even if I want to change something I generally don't, unless they request it, except in this case, since they can easily undo the message I added to your profile page.
I do however, believe it is one of the best forum software options available.
Still a good idea to read the documentation, if you want to know the full functionality. I understand that most people prefer to understand by osmosis then by reading or studying it. However, they might want to apply due diligence in reading user documentation, much like they would prior to purchasing mutual funds. You, ultimately are the one ...
>Having an "Add Comment" box on another member's profile page makes no sense to me - what are you commenting on?
you are making a public comment in reference to a user.
e.g. "Thanks for all your tips, they are really helpful to me".
I can see why you might not follow that, but you should comprehend it now, although you may disagree. It is can be useful and used frequently by other forums using the same software.
Thanks Accipiter. I actually prefer not to be notified. The less I get in my email inbox the better. I get a badge notification on the inbox when I get a message and that suits me fine.
The yellow notice on the profile page makes it clear now which function is private and which is not.
One question is the purpose of the activity box. Perhaps it is not necessary and could be deleted thus making this whole question moot?
@rjb112 This is late, and by now irrelevant, but the comment about the cost of EVBAX referred to the ER. (I tried to send a private message, but couldn't find the relevant buttons. I don't visit daily, which is the other reason for the late response.)
Comments
@MikeM, it would be great if it did go to a person's email address.
Take a look, and you can read the other PMs that have been sent to the person.
Someone just sent me one, and didn't like the fact that it was not private, which is understandable.
I wonder if the website has the capability to do as MikeM alluded to......sending the PM to the person's email
Sending a message to someone's inbox is considered private
If its something that relates to account numbers or passwords, I wouldn't send it or post it, since it is stored in the database.
It should be clear so people have comfort that their messages are or are not private. It's bothersome to know others can read your stuff.
It's probably in oj's excellent documentation.
then click new message.
then type the name of the person you want to send it to.
it auto-fills suggested names.
I think you have to click your Inbox to see it
change it or delete if you like.
Perhaps, but ....
I highly suggest you read the documentation, if you want to get the most out of the forum. Despite you wanting everything to be intuitive. The software is what is, and the documentation is there for you. While it may not be an excuse for "bad UI", you still have an option, and that is your choice, read the docs, or don't.
Here they are: on page 23.
http://www.mutualfundobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/MFO-UG-v6-09-07-12.pdf
This is the first time anyone reported the issue. The minute I used the software, it was obvious to me, consequently, it wasn't obvious to me it wasn't obvious to you. So unless there is a squeaky wheel like rjb112, not much can be done, since most people are not mind readers. And I certainly am not good at mind-reading or forseeing which way the market will go.
As I said, I added a message, if it wasn't obvious, since it appears it wasn't obvious to at least a few of you.
I do try to help the site out, once in a while. And I have to get permission to change things or requests from Chip or David.
So even if I want to change something I generally don't, unless they request it, except in this case, since they can easily undo the message I added to your profile page.
I do however, believe it is one of the best forum software options available.
Still a good idea to read the documentation, if you want to know the full functionality. I understand that most people prefer to understand by osmosis then by reading or studying it. However, they might want to apply due diligence in reading user documentation, much like they would prior to purchasing mutual funds. You, ultimately are the one ...
>Having an "Add Comment" box on another member's profile page makes no sense to me - what are you commenting on?
you are making a public comment in reference to a user.
e.g. "Thanks for all your tips, they are really helpful to me".
I can see why you might not follow that, but you should comprehend it now, although you may disagree. It is can be useful and used frequently by other forums using the same software.
"@JohnChisum, see if you received the PM I just sent you.
I think you have to click your Inbox to see it</blockquote"
I did not get it. Just the first message you sent.
and Edit preferences, and check accordingly for notifications.
I've suggested this before, I think alot of people ignored it.
The yellow notice on the profile page makes it clear now which function is private and which is not.
One question is the purpose of the activity box. Perhaps it is not necessary and could be deleted thus making this whole question moot?
I already explained the purpose in my previous post, so no need to repeat myself.
> Perhaps it is not necessary
perhaps
Probably one of those times to live, learn and adapt. now that you know how things function.
This is late and by now irrelevant, but the comment about the cost of
This is late, and by now irrelevant, but the comment about the cost of EVBAX referred to the ER.
(I tried to send a private message, but couldn't find the relevant buttons. I don't visit daily, which is the other reason for the late response.)