Aslemma,

Sadly, as already mentioned the PM's are open to abuse. Aside from a couple of insults directed at me personally, we are under no illusion that they are being misused, hence the amended policy. I am sure Mark will confirm - as he runs the same forum software as us – the part of the database that stores private messages are neither encrypted nor stored in a 'locked' format. Any webmaster with access to the database will be able to read them. I have checked our legal position regarding this and I am sorry that it is not the most ideal situation, but it is what it is.

This is our last comment on the matter. If members do not wish to agree to the new T&C's then we are happy for them not to use the PM's tool. We are also happy to deactivate accounts by request.

Chris