how private are the messages and comments we make to each other on this site?

Not 100% sure what you're asking.  

• Do I read member messages?  No.  
  
• Could I theoretically go into the database and read them, yes of course.  
  
• Have I ever done that?  No.
  

sorry if you misunderstood.    my question had nothing to to with you, Michael, or your honesty.

I was just wondering if the comments posted on the group's sites will appear anywhere that could read by the general public.  It might make a difference how people discuss "things."

Of course, I realize you have access to anything on the site.

rob

Rob,

Hmmm. I'll have to think about that one as I never really considered it as an issue, but I can see where you're coming from.  Within the Groups you have to be a member in order to even see the menu item, so they're protected.  I had always intended the forums to be more open to the world but let me think about it overnight and see what system I can work out to address this as I can see how this could be a concern.

Thanks for mentioning it.

Michael

regarding the "messages" sent to members from members,  they are kept in an "in box" like regular email online.    can we assume access to these is limited to the person with that profile page?   and, of course, the webmaster

any thing you put on a "forum" is expected to be public, by nature of a forum

rob  

Rob, yes absolutely true.  Your inbox is only visible to you.