contacting other members

[carol8353]

It would be very useful if people replied to the thread rather than setting up a private conversation.  On many threads there will be a number of people who have an interest in the family or place involved but have not made a post to the thread.  A relevant reply on the thread can often invoke a response from another interested person.

Jolly good point. I always feel very sad when people's first thought is to make a few extra posts just so they can talk to someone off message.

Surely your first contact should be on the board that you saw the post to say Hi I think we're part of the same family etc etc

Then if more family members chance by this board at a later date they too can find the posts and some new relatives.

Carol

[gaffy]

Agreed, but the move towards private conversations / private messages is in part being fuelled by copyright.  I imagine I'm not alone in being advised by a moderator not to give full details of records from commercial sites, that incidentally have already been paid for (by me).   That is the rule of this forum that I accept.

But it is frustrating.

[1pds]

Agree with what you all say. 

Maybe it would be better to explain to a new user the benefits of posting versus PMs?  Perhaps an introductory email when someone joins, short and to the point?