What are Private Messaging (PM) and Contact List?Private messaging can be thought as an email system within the forum, where you can communicate with others privately outside the forum message system.
Also, you will get notified via email when someone sends you a private message but it does not expose your email address to others.
Moreover, the Contact List allows you to store members you frequently PMs, just like what a address book does for you when you email. Members in your contact list will appear in a drop down for you to choose when you compose a PM.
Why do I not see the Private Message tab?The only reason that you don’t see it under your User Control Panel is that the admin specifically disabled it. You also won’t be able to PM if you are not registered and logged in.
Sometimes admin will not allow users to use the PM feature until a set amount of days after registration. If in doubt, contact the admin.