Private Messages and the Inbox

Have you noticed that when you login, there is a box to the right side (just under the registration box) called "Private messages"? You may even have a message at the top of the page indicating that you have a message waiting for you. Be sure to check it, as it may be an important message from one of your colleagues!

The Private Message feature on this website allows you to network with anyone on the site without the fear of giving up contact information (unless you provide it yourself). All messages are kept in your inbox to and from your contacts. Others can contact you and you can contact them through their user page (click "Symposium Team" above this post for an example of a user page). Your email is not shared with the other users unless you put it in your message.

We find it particularly useful to add people to your buddy list and then use that buddy list to collect the names of people you can send private messages to later. Your buddy list is located right below the "Private messages" block on the right.

All of these features are meant to improve your ability to communicate and network with other colleagues in a safe environment that are interested in the same things you are. Good luck!