It is okay to post a PM (private message) on the Open Forum?

[Maniac]

Here is my most recent PM I received:

"The cover diamond sells is vinyl with a cotton liner."

Is there any reason this should not be shared?

I think sometimes (it HAS happened with me on this site) people will send you a PM regarding one of your posts on a specific thread. They don't want to post on the thread so everyone can see it because they know their reply will make them look like an A-hole. They are trying to maintain a certain type of reputation by sending their (less than PC) messages "privately". I will also have no problem repeating those messages on the original thread.

You could, in a case like this, just repeat the information in your own words without quoting the private message in and of itself, or by cutting and pasting it.

I don't see any problems though with publicizing harmless messages such as the scenario you quoted....but now it gets into a "where do we draw the line" type of situation.....and you know the people on these keyboards can't help but to always "cross the line" on what is right and wrong.

So, IMO, it's probably best that private messages stay exactly what they are....private.

FTR....I do agree with the posters that say private messages containing threats/acts of criminal content should be outed. Even then, sadly....there would be lines to be drawn.

All this is really not that important to me as I've never sent nor received a PM that would bother me if it were shared on this forum. I'm just giving my humble opinions...like everyone else!!!

Maniac

 

[decent dennis]

I agree with that. If the intentions are non-antagonistic, maybe to provide data or information to help another, then I think that might be okay. But me personally, I wouldn't post a verbatim copy of the PM. I'd re-word it if I wanted to share information from a PM that I thought would be helpful to another.

This is where you could get in trouble, rewording. Next thing you know it's "That's not what i said,etc.

 

[alstl]

I would vote for C - Depends on the circumstances.

For example if I sell a cue to someone and they PM me saying they got the cue and it is in excellent condition and then later start a public thread trashing me for not sending the cue or sending a cue in lousy shape, I would make public their PM.

 

[Sealegs50]

Personally, I would not post a private PM and would hope for the same courtesy in return. But I would never send a PM or say something about someone that I would be afraid to have disclosed publicly. Once I send something out, it is in their control.

I would only disclose something in PM if requested by the sender.

Good topic for a thread.

 

[Straightpool_99]

...............

 

[JAM]

This is where you could get in trouble, rewording. Next thing you know it's "That's not what i said,etc.

Ah, from one of the St. Louis contingency members. I am learning so much about the pool scene in St. Louis area in recent times.

In all seriousness, I know what you mean. Of course, if you had retained the original PM, then you would have proof of what was written, but hopefully, on a social forum like AzBilliards, that would not be necessary.

 

[SouthernDraw]

Yes or No?

It would be so nice if we lived in a dichotomous world!

 

[PoolSharkAllen]

It's never simple. It depends on the circumstances and what the fight is about. Almost all the PMs I send are done with idea that they could be made public. Sometimes I even count on it.

If everyone were to publish the more salacious PM's they've received from you over the years, this forum might literally become a better place overnight.

 

[easy-e]

....but now it gets into a "where do we draw the line" type of situation.....and you know the people on these keyboards can't help but to always "cross the line" on what is right and wrong.

Maniac

This sums it up for me. Don't send someone a PM about something that you wish to remain private unless you trust them to keep it private. If you are unsure of them, DON'T SEND THEM A SECRET. It's just like real life in here.